Head into nature at Illovo eco-trail
BIRD lovers, conservationists and scholars are urged to take advantage of an eco trail sited in Lower Illovo.
The Burchell Coucal (or Ubikwe, the isiZulu name for the bird) Eco Trail at Illovo Business Park has been open to the public for a while, but was extended about six months ago.
The trail, which measures about four kilometres, starts from the park and winds itself along the Illovo River, through reed beds, grassland and into riverine bush.
Read here: Eco-route plan revisited
See photos here: Eco-route tour launched
A number of bird hides have been erected for visitors to enjoy the extensive bird life on offer.
“A bird club that visited the trail was very impressed,” said Illovo Business Park manager, Ken Lombard.
“In the last three months we have had a group of German tourists visit the trail, as well as two primary schools.”
Ken said up to 10 Burchell Coucal can be spotted at one time, if you are lucky.
There is also a lapa for groups or schools to hold informative talks and presentations and a kitchen on site for refreshments. There are also male and female ablutions.
“We are in the process of forming a conservancy in the Lower Illovo area,” said Ken, who has been instrumental in fighting illegal hunting and gill netting in and along the river.
Story and photos here: Gill netters’ gear seized
“Since last May to date, we have removed 26 gill nets from the river. In one swoop we removed and destroyed 14 nets.”
A vast stretch of Lower Illovo has been bought by Dube Trade Port, but the park has a long-term lease with it.
Read here: Automotive park plan hangs in balance
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