Extra hands needed to upkeep rich heritage site

Simon Rees, chair of Norscot Koppies Kingfisher Nature Reserve, invites volunteers to a clean-up of the heritage site.

April 1, 2024

Ditiro Masuku 2 minutes read

Estelle Landman has a good time walking and learning about the reserves rich history.

Are you familiar with the Norscot Koppies Kingfisher Nature Reserve? This is a hidden gem located in the heart of Norscot, Fourways.

The reserve spans over 16.5 hectares and is owned by the Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ). What is unique about this reserve is that it is maintained by a group of passionate volunteers who work tirelessly to preserve its natural beauty alongside City Parks.

It has a fascinating history which dates back to the early 1900s. It was once a bustling granite quarry that supplied materials for buildings across Johannesburg, this according to Simon Rees, chair of the reserve.

It is believed that Thomas Douglas, the man after whom Douglasdale is named, sourced granite from this very reserve. As a master builder, he used granite for his projects, leaving an enduring legacy in the early days of Johannesburg’s development.

“Walking through the reserve, traces of the quarrying activities can be seen, these range from an open pit quarry, the remnants of pulley cables and beams, and a railway line that would have moved the cut granite into cocopans and moved along the railway line to waiting trucks. All work was done manually and many chisels, and wedges can still be found buried in the sand.

Chisel marks on granite rocks that were all done by hand.

“The remnants of old structures have also been uncovered, providing an overview of how the area would have looked all those years ago. Granite from the reserve can be seen along the exterior of the Norscot Manor House. Not only was Thomas Douglas quarrying granite. A favourite hobby of his was dairy farming – most people in the northern suburbs of Gauteng know of Douglasdale Milk which is still available today.”

Many artefacts ranging from the 1900s to 1960s have been located in the reserve, these include buttons, bullet casings, children’s toys, glass bottles, chisels, and wedges, Rees added.

Rees and a team of dedicated volunteers work hard to maintain the reserve.

“I am part of a team and between us, we have an understanding of the veld and associated biomes, managing encroachment, animal management, trail management, new and old, and fundraising initiatives. The reserve is a non-profit, and maintains a working relationship with City Parks who provide us with amazing support.”