WITH the largest population of mangrove trees in Durban, and various species of crab, as well as other wildlife, the Beachwood Mangrove Nature reserve’s importance cannot be underestimated.
It is why the 76-hectare reserve has been the chosen venue for this week’s Trees and Seas Festival, hosted by Breathe Conservation.
Durban North resident and endurance swimmer, Sarah Ferguson, who is set to finish her One Ocean Swim journey of 1 500km along the coast from Durban to Cape Town, later this year, will also be at the event.
Also Read: Durban North endurance swimmer needs your help
Another member of the Breathe Conservation team, Elzanne Marais, said she hopes residents will come out and support the week-long festival which is free and open to the public.
“As an NPO, Breathe Conservation is proud to participate in this international festival that highlights the unbreakable link between ocean and forest conservation. In the week leading up to International Coastal Clean-Up Day, we are hosting a variety of fun, flighty and slithery events to highlight the Beachwood Mangroves Nature Reserve.
“We have Kate Richardson, who will be speaking about bats, Nick Evans about snakes, and we will also be showing Plastic Ocean’s film Against the Current. All the programmes begin at 18:00, and they are free to the public,” Marais explained.
For any additional information, e-mail elzanne@breatheconservation.org.
Programme for the week
Tuesday, September 13
Kate Richardson from KwaZulu-Natal bat group will be speaking on bats at 18:00.
Wednesday, September 14
Snake rescuer Nick Evans will be giving a talk on snakes at 18:00.
Friday, September 16
There will be a movie night showing Plastic Ocean’s film Against the Current, starting at 18:00.
Saturday, September 17
International Coastal Clean-up Day – various clean-up activities will happen on the Beachwood Mangroves Beach.
