IN an effort to boost conservation efforts at the Mount Moreland Conservancy, the community is planning a fundraising market for April.
According to Sharon Basel of the Mount Moreland Monitors, the conservancy is still plagued by poachers. She said the idea was to raise funds to improve security at the site.
“On average, during a snare raid we uncover 20 to 30 snares in the area. These efforts are thus twofold – to protect our wildlife and the cyclists, hikers and community who might get caught in these traps,” she said.
What’s more, added Basel, was that the community had also been on high alert following reports of a notorious hunter operating in the area. The hunter has previously raided the protected coastal forest in eMdloti with his four-wheeler and lethal crossbow; however, due to social pressures from the ‘568 Community’, he has been driven to Mount Moreland.
“We not only have indigenous wildlife but we also have endangered dragonflies, butterflies and frogs. It is our responsibility to protect the conservancy,” said Angie Wilken, the founder and chairperson of the Mount Moreland Conservancy.
The community has already hired a guard for the south entrance and hope to add a second to the north to monitor vehicles and foot traffic entering and exiting the site.
“The more eyes and ears we can have on the ground, the better,” explained Wilken.
The fundraising event, I Heart Mount Moreland Fundraising Market Day, is set to host live music, dozens of homemade and craft traders, food and refreshments, conservation-based displays, fun children’s activities and raffle prizes. Some of the live bands include Shades of Grey, Sara Jackson & Friends as well as Helena Gerrard.
- The event will be held on 3 April from 12pm to 5pm. The day will also serve as a ‘farewell’ to the conservation’s famed barn swallows as they begin their annual migration to the north. The public is urged to take along a blanket to enjoy the acrobatics of the tiny creatures. Entrance on the day involves a donation and raffle tickets cost R30.
