Glenwood group to revive open spaces

THE sterile islands along Lena Ahrens (Manning) Road are about to undergo an indigenous makeover by the Glenwood Open Space Revival Group which has collected signatures from the public, and secured the committed support of most of the residents living in the area in the section close to the intersection with Bulwer Park.

This central island is part of the D ‘Moss’ system (Durban Metropolitan Open Space System), constituting a unique system of green wild places that thread their way through the city. It is enjoyed and valued by Glenwood residents and visitors who appreciate its positive environmental impact. It forms a wild corridor for birds, bees, bugs and other small wildlife, enabling these to move between Pigeon Valley Nature Reserve and Bulwer Park.

Unfortunately this area has been mowed severely of late, and so barely operates as it was intended, largely on account of the fact that the current contractors are not aware of this intention and cut the vegetation indiscriminately.

Councillor Nicole Graham as well as environmentals such as BotSoc and Wessa have given their support to the project. Glenwood representatives met on site with Kenneth Mabila from eThekwini Parks, to whom the petition and letters of support were handed. Councillor Graham was present as well as Johan Bodenstein, the horticulturalist responsible for the planting of the corridor some 20 years ago, and has compiled a manual for the maintenance of the island and offered time to advise those in charge of the mowing teams.

This initiative has given rise to a further development to drive ‘green issues’ in the greater Glenwood and Umbilo area. The aim is to ensure that sustainable development is in line with eThekwini’s environmental commitment, collaborates with local and national government policies, fosters environmental initiatives, including conserving natural areas, urban agriculture, community collaboration and recycling of waste and develop a strong network amongst those committed to sustainable development, as well as collaboration amongst different projects in the area.

Councillor Graham has prioritised these green issues in the Ward, and is determined to make inroads, starting with the maintenance of the many dilapidated parks.

“We feel it is vital that we find new ways of using public open spaces so they will be of use to the community, and not as dumping sites or breeding grounds for crime and social ills. Urban gardens and farming are a perfect example, as they revitalise parks and open spaces and also provide healthy, free food. There is a lot of interest in this and some great examples throughout the city,” said Graham.

She said the group also discussed the re-establishment of a recycling centre in Glenwood.

“This also has the potential to create employment, as many people in the area currently collect glass and paper to recycle to earn a small income. A number of good ideas were raised and will be expanded upon in coming months,” she said.

If anyone would like to contribute or find out more, they can e-mail Nicole Graham on ward33@ethekwini.org