NORTH Durban residents say they will oppose any plans to develop Virginia Bush Nature Reserve.

This comes after a brochure posted on Facebook by local resident Pete Graham purported to show a plan to develop the reserve into an eco-estate.

According to the brochure, the proposed plan would involve a gated estate, including three tower blocks encompassing the middle and upper half of the reserve.

The brochure comes complete with artist’s impressions of the building designs.

However, it is understood the proposal to lease the reserve was rejected by the eThekwini Municipality.

Also read: New group hopes to grow trail running at Virginia Bush Nature Reserve

Bird spotters, trail runners, walkers and nature lovers say Virginia Bush is a proclaimed nature reserve and is a sanctuary for wildlife, including duiker and mongooses.

Ward 36 councillor Shontel de Boer said that while no plans have come through council or her office regarding the development, she would stand united with residents against it.

“Virginia Bush is a proclaimed nature reserve, and the land is owned by the municipality and is part of the Durban Metropolitan Open Space System (D’Moss) so this development could never go forward. I have seen the documents which show what the proposed development would look like, but we, as the Democratic Alliance, will be taking this further should any plans come to light. The land is not suitable for housing as the upper bush is prone to flooding and sewage overflows. I will stand with residents in opposition to any proposed development in Virginia Bush,” she said.

La Lucia resident Grant Harper, who has been running through the trails around Virginia Bush for the past 20 years, said, “This is a valuable educational space, a sanctuary for animals and a vital resource open to all residents and visitors. Why would anyone want to develop on this land? As residents, we need to protect our green spaces and leave nature reserves alone. The sheer scale of the proposed development would be detrimental to the wildlife that calls the reserve home, and it is not practical,” he said.

Also read: Bird hide at Virginia Bush Nature Reserve given makeover

His comments were echoed by fellow trail runner Scott Rogers.

“I think all the residents reacted in shock when we saw the proposal. There are so few green spaces left in the city, and Virginia Bush is used by so many people within our community. Our fear is if this development were to move forward, it would set a precedent for other reserves. I noticed in the brochure there was talk of only damaging 10% of the bush, but how does one quantify that? This natural space would surely be destroyed if any development were approved,” he said.

Michaela Geytenbeek, who runs the Kinship Programme, which helps children reconnect with nature, often makes use of the reserve.

“We use the reserve as an educational tool for the young people in our extra-curricular activities of nature-connectedness. We want more people to make use of the bush – it’s safe and there is so much to see. Our plan is to create more events to celebrate the bush. I encourage residents and the community to join in activities in and around the reserve. You can also join Riverside Trail, which has a run through the bush on Wednesdays,” she said.

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