Community and LIFCO members take on the trails and cliff edges of the Little Falls Ridge Nature Reserve
Saturday morning hike aiming to become a regular fixture on the LIFCO calendar
Only nature can provide one with the free tools with which to get fit and mingle with the community.
Members of the Little Falls and Strubens Valley Community Forum (LIFCO) took a not so gentle stroll through the rocky paths that make up the northern edges of the Little Falls Ridge Nature Reserve. A total of 48 residents, including seasoned guides who know the cliffs like the back of their hands, were escorted by two of BCI Security’s canine handlers through the publicly accessible reserve on December 3.
The walk is one that LIFCO hope will become a regular outing as part of their Hiking Club initiative. Originally aiming for 2.5 and 5km options, electronic trackers showed the groups had walked 4.2km and 6.2km, respectively. Andy Hyslop helped set down the trails for Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo in 2013, the 88-year-old spending two to three hours a week on the ridge in doing so.
“The more we come up here the more the trails are able to develop,” said Andy.
LIFCO chairperson, Claire Fauchet, is encouraging everyone who lives in the area to take advantage of the area’s natural beauty and experience the awe-inspiring view from the cliffs.
“The last two-and-a-half years have left a severe impact on the mental and emotional well-being of humanity. Reconnecting with nature is the easiest way for us to find peace and clarity as well as the energy and strength to move forward in these unpredictable times. Hiking is truly medicine for the soul!” mused Claire.
The walks are a unique way to connect with one’s neighbours and LIFCO membership promotes safety and security as well as community upliftment.
Through their social activities and clubs, community events as well as their dam and park rehabilitation project, LIFCO strive to create a suburb that everyone enjoys living in.
