Rehabilitation project underway to revive Virginia Bush Nature Reserve
Members of the Riverside Trail community have been hard at work repairing and rehabilitating where they can.
THERE is some clarity on a plan to revive several sections of Virginia Bush Nature Reserve that were damaged by the floods.
The 38-hectare reserve, which is home to several ponds, had been adversely affected by the heavy rains, resulting in wash-aways and damage to bridges and several trails in the area.
Members of the Riverside Trail community have been hard at work repairing and rehabilitating where they can.
Community stalwart and long-time member of Riverside Trail, Buzz Bolton, said several decisions had been taken on areas that warranted urgent attention inside the reserve.
Chief among these was that froggy pond, the largest of the ponds in the upper reserve, was completely covered in sand.
“After meeting with the staff at the reserve and members of the eThekwini Municipality, a decision was taken to leave the pond as is. We all agreed it would be impractical to rehabilitate the pond as there are mounds of sand covering it. We are now hoping to place a few benches to create a viewing area where people can gather and enjoy nature.
“It is rather sentimental to us as our group has lots of fond memories here. I have intimated to the municipal officials that the other ponds in the lower reserve warranted urgent attention to rehabilitate them to a pristine condition,” he said.
Bolton also thanked local resident Michaela Geytenbeek who runs the Kinship Programme for young children who helped create a new staircase in the upper reserve.
“Two of the trails were completely washed away, and the young kids and Michaela helped make a new staircase, making it easier for walkers and trail runners to traverse the area again. We also managed to dig up the Paul Watkins bench which had been buried in a landslide. His wife donated the bench in memory of him as it was his favourite spot in the reserve near the froggy pond,” he said.
The municipality also decided to remove the suspension bridge, also known as Malcolm’s Bridge, in the middle reserve, that was also damaged by the heavy rains.
“The bridge was suspended between a steep drop, and we have since knocked it down due to the damage. The good news is we have created a bypass between the two points,” he said.
