The city of Johannesburg isn’t known for its natural beauty. Yet, right in the heart of Egoli’s concrete jungle lies a neglected environmental gem, hiding in plain sight – the Linksfield Ridge.
Following a proposal by writer David Fleminger, supported by the Johannesburg Heritage Foundation, a network of urban hiking trails is currently being established across the ridge which Fleminger said would finally give Joburgers access to this remarkable natural space.
Fleminger explained that Linksfield Ridge is part of a prominent geographical feature that runs neatly across the city of Johannesburg, acting as a watershed between the Crocodile River in the north, and the Vaal River in the south.
“The undeveloped part of the ridge runs for approximately 5km from east to west and boasts awesome views over the city, abundant bird and plant life, and ancient quartzite outcrops dating back three billion years. It is a spectacular natural asset and should be a popular destination for all nature lovers.”
He explained that after decades of neglect, the ridge is largely unused and while it has been barely acknowledged by the authorities, this is all about to change.
Lead by Bishop Ngobeli and Tumi Shoba from the Conservation Department of Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo, GIS (geographic information system) maps have already been created and Fleminger said that teams are now hard at work rehabilitating the old, informal trails and developing new ones that will tie everything together.
He said it is envisaged that the ridge will be a world-class urban hiking destination that extends from the Harvey Nature Reserve (close to Sylvia’s Pass) in the west, all the way to Gillooly’s Farm in the east. He said that discussions with the City of Ekurhuleni are also ongoing to ensure that the reserve (which straddles two municipalities) is managed as a single ecological unit.
“This is a tremendously exciting project that will hopefully be completed by early 2022. We can’t wait for people to rediscover the Linksfield Ridge!” said Fleminger.
Details: Friends of Linksfield Ridge Facebook page:
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