THE Umgeni Estuary Conservancy (UEC) and Durban North Conservancy will host a clean-up along the north bank of the uMngeni River on Friday, July 17.

They have called on volunteers to lend a hand to tackle rubbish found along the trails next to the Beachwood Mangroves Nature Reserve.

They will be joined on the day by Wildlife and Environment Society of SA (WESSA) KZN volunteers and Marshall Security.

Also read: R1.4m fence project to shore up security in Umgeni Park

Margaret Burger, a member of UEC, explained they regularly host community clean-ups targeting the Blue Lagoon Parkrun route, Riverside trail, and Beachwood Mangroves.

“If we don’t regularly clean up we’ll lose access to these spaces. The bigger picture is protecting the biodiversity and the accessibility to the trails along the river bank. It is important to think that all rubbish dumped into the uMngeni River ends up here at the estuary. This is the last chance we have to get it before it is swept into the ocean. This is why we’re hosting a Mandela Day clean-up,” she said.

Durban North Conservancy member Ellysa Entwistle echoed those sentiments.

“We’ll supply the black bags and we’ve approached the Cleansing and Solid Waste unit (formerly DSW) to help remove all the rubbish. All residents need to do on the day is bring gloves, boots or comfortable walking shoes, water, sunscreen and hats. We’ll be giving the Blue Lagoon Parkrun Route and Riverside trail the care they deserve on the day,” she said.

• The clean-up begins at 09:00 on Friday, July 17, at the field next to the Beachwood Mangroves (plenty of parking available).

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