MEMBERS of the Hillcrest Conservancy are determined to see more green pastures in the area. This conviction has seen the planting of 64 indigenous trees in the vicinity of Inanda Road and the rail reserve. Speaking to the Highway Mail, George Victor of the conservancy said their organisation is formed by volunteers who share the same interests of preserving the Hillcrest area.

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In their initial project, Victor said that 64 trees were planted two years ago in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic. He said the area had numerous old gum trees growing close to the road, which presented a risk to the public.
“The conservancy persevered for many years and finally had them felled, and then cleaned up the site. Some 64 indigenous trees were planted along this section of road during Covid lockdowns, when a small team of volunteers planted the trees, working almost in isolation. The tree park was planted in memory of all those who were in some way affected by Covid, and many members of the public contributed to this effort to assist the conservancy in fundraising,” he said.

Currently, the tree park has seen the addition of more than 100 trees creating a green buffer strip between Inanda Road and Hillcrest Park. These trees are nurtured by a small team, including Victor, Barry Lang, Stephen Knight and Allen Taylor who meet every Wednesday.
Furthermore, the conservancy is embarking on another project involving the Molweni River.

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“It is also part of the Conservancy’s ‘Mend the Molweni Project’. Polluted stormwater run-off from urban Hillcrest is being used as drinking water further downstream in the Molweni informal area. In an effort to filter this water, the conservancy, in conjunction with Hillcrest High pupils, is creating reed banks in the feeder streams.

“A system of gabions and sandbags is being used to support reed banks, which filter and also regulate water flows to prevent erosion in Springside Reserve. This is being done along Springside Road and will create visible wetlands at the culvert areas,” explained Victor.
A load of hand stone is required for this, and the conservancy is calling on anyone able to assist to contact the conservancy at hillcrestconservancy@gmail.com. Any donations here are also welcome, as this will all be used in these projects, which will assist the city to care for its 7 000km of rivers.