It’s for the birds. Randburg has a hidden gem among its hustle and bustle.
The President Ridge Bird sanctuary offers a safe and quiet haven to all types of birds and lovers of birds, open on Saturdays and Sundays. With the peaceful surroundings, it is a beautiful secret garden untouched by the dilapidation of human pollution.
The area consisted of a dam used to wash sand for the use in Durao’s sand mine (presently Brightwater Commons). When this this need became redundant, the concept was passed onto the then conservation officer Piet Oosthuizen.
The sanctuary was established in 1994 by Gill Hardingham, former chairperson and present custodian of BirdLife President Ridge and an affiliate of BirdLife South Africa. This was a difficult task as the park was then used for fishing, walking dogs and riding bikes or motorbikes – it took much patience and cooperation for residents and committee members to close off the park.
Over a long period the area was fenced off and 240 indigenous trees and shrubs were planted.
A brick and thatch hide-out was sponsored by Sasol as well as the wheelchair pathway. Since this time, Sasol has helped create the reticulation system and the recent spraying of reeds that were taking over the dam.
Two bridges were built over the little spruits that connect to the dam. Brightwater Commons team cleans the dam at least once a week , ridding the water of rubbish spilled in through drainage systems in the area.
There are over 120 different species of birds roaming the sanctuary – from water birds to waders and even weavers. Vice chairman Paul Hardingham says, “We are still looking at installing ablutions in the sanctuary for the visitors.”
Chairman John Human pleads , “The sanctuary needs more help from City Parks to help clear out the natural debris collected from the conservation and clearing of the park… All we need is a regular grass trimming and the disposal of the mounds of natural refuse culminated after the clubs annual clean-up.”
The President Bird Sanctuary is an amazing little place in Randburg where birds can live in peace. Lovers of the feathered creatures will be blown away by the serenity of the park.
Details: Malcolm Road, President Ridge; 011 462 9682.
