Projects the conservancy are running:
Below is a report of the Ferncliffe Catchment Conservancy projects that was presented at the AGM on the 26th of June 2009.
Monzali slip
This refers to a large soil slip in the upper reaches of the catchment that collapses occasionally following heavy rain. We see the results in the red water of Town Bush River. It is an exceptionally difficult and expensive problem to solve and several Government bodies have to be involved. The Committee has inspected the area but unfortunately once again we cannot report any progress in solving the problem.
1 000 tress have been planted in the area by Rob Alexander.
Ferncliffe Carbon Bank (previously referred to as AROCHA)
This is a programme targeting carbon emission reduction with the planting of trees. On the 20th of March 2010, A Rocha South Africa (Christians in Conservation) will be running a Ferncliffe Green Challenge. View the details on the Events page.
Recycling
Dave Ryder and Rodney Bartholomew undertook the investigation of recycling possibilities in our area. There were many hitches but what did take place has been very encouraging. Central Waste distributed 50 orange bags to residents in selected areas for a trial run. This was very successful and many homeowners have remarked on the very limited amount of rubbish that now goes into the regular black bags. After the trial period, the area has been greatly extended.
Dave Ryder is to contact the glass recycling people to see if this can be introduced as a regular feature to our area.
Hampton court Wetland
In November 2009 the FCC committee planted 30 more trees and replaced some of the trees that died in the wetland.
In December 2009 Scottsville Primary School planted 100 tress in the wetland.
Photos of the trees can be seen in the Gallery.
Pollution
The problem of pollution has been with us for many years and we do not seem to be able to get on top of it. Having said that it must be emphasised that the Municipal authorities are unable to do so. The main area where this problem exists is in our plantations and Jeremy Dixon has done all he can to get on top of the problem. The main problem is the dumping of household rubbish in the upper areas and well into the plantations along the Otto's Bluff road. Sadly however, it also exists close to the northern suburbs and here it includes the dumping of garden refuse. NCT did appoint a private security firm to monitor illegal dumping.
Damage to plantations
Motor bikes and quad bikes riding through the plantations continue to be a problem. Damage is caused to the roads, but particularly to the inter-tree row area where litter is removed by the wheels and the area is exposed to erosion.
Town bush underpass
This is a particularly unattractive underpass and the FCC commenced a programme to plant vegetation on the banks. Unfortunately they are very steep and consist of infertile subsoil. However the area was cleared and trees planted. We thank Rodney Bartholomew, Andrew Ferendinos and Hanne Yammin who approached Dunrobin Nursery to donate plants. Some tecoma can be seen and they will no doubt require some time to cover effectively.
Developments
The FCC does keep an eye on developments in the catchment including Liberty Mall, Kembali, Victoria Country Club Estate and the Umgeni Water pipeline. Generally speaking we have not had to press for any action arising out of environmental abuse. It must be said that the failure to attend to the stream area behind Liberty Mall has been a big disappointment as we were lead to believe that this would form a natural backdrop to the Mall. It certainly has great potential to be developed as a place of natural beauty.
Msunduzi Environmental Management Framework An environmental plan for Msunduzi has been worked on for several years now. This appears to be nearing completion and a questionnaire was sent out January 2009 to sound out public opinion.
VCCE Green Corridors
Credit must be given to the Victoria Country Club Estate for setting aside 6.5 ha in Town Bush village alone (other villages also have Green Corridors.) The grasslands, forest groves, wetlands and rock features are now maturing into good habitats and the most recent activity is the start of a fig forest with 11 trees having been planted. Many more will be planted in spring. This forest was the dream of Johnny Lowe and is being developed in his memory.