Help preserve nature reserve
Many people enjoy visiting the nature reserve and using its facilities, however it hardly receives any financial assistance for maintenance.
Scottburgh’s hidden gem, TC Robertson Nature Reserve, a non-profit public benefit organisation is in desperate need of public support, donations and sponsors in order to survive.
The nature reserve has been a great tourist attraction for many years, and is a tranquil venue for locals to relax, braai or use as a function venue.
Many people enjoy visiting the nature reserve and using its facilities, however it hardly receives any financial assistance for maintenance.
The manager, Keith Layfield, has invested his time and energy into maintaining the reserve for a long time, but constant challenges abounded such as heavy downpours and vandalism, with the cost of maintenance always high.
Recently, the ablution facilities were vandalised, and this was not the first time. Taps were stolen, basins and toilets were broken and the roof was damaged.
Keith was devastated by the recent events and the nature reserve has now been closed, but hope is on the horizon.
Anton and Gerda Faul, who moved to the South Coast from Gauteng in 2015, visited the nature reserve for the first time a few weeks ago, after hearing about it for years.
The Fauls met with Keith last week and decided that they would like to invest in the nature reserve and take over the reins. Gerda said it all happened so fast, but she believes it was God’s plan to put her and her husband in this position.
“We have already started cleaning up and we have some big plans for the future, but it is important that we get the community to support us and help save this nature reserve,” said Gerda.
“Conservation costs a lot of money, and we need money to fix the vandalised ablution block, the ticket office near the entrance and for general maintenance.”
Keith, who is delighted with the goals set by new management, mentioned that he is also grateful to Belim’s Hardware in Umzinto which sold roofing material at a discounted rate for a temporary fix.
“It was good to have a local business help us, and I hope that other businesses and individuals can do the same,” he said.
Keith is wished well as he prepares to retire from TC Robertson, and he thanks those who supported it over the years.
With the reserve currently closed and maintenance under way, the Fauls plan to have a family fun day and grand opening on March 31.
Entrance fee will be R15 for adults and R10 for children under 12 years. The public can look forward to arts and crafts stalls, good food and entertainment.
All proceeds will go towards the upkeep of the reserve.
To book a stall for the grand opening, or to find out more about how you can help preserve the nature reserve, contact Gerda on 082 6227699 or Anton on 073 8655003.
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