Rediscover the Linksfield Ridge
A formal declaration of the Linksfield Ridge as a protected natural area is currently being considered.
Johannesburg isn’t known for its natural beauty. Yet, right in the heart of Egoli’s concrete jungle lies a neglected environmental gem, hiding in plain sight, as travel writer David Fleminger observed.
Fleminger shared some interesting facts about this gem, the Linksfield Ridge at the Linksfield Ridge Heritage Hike on July 23. The guided walk was held in collaboration with the Johannesburg Heritage Foundation (JHF).
“The Linksfield Ridge is part of a prominent geographical feature that cuts neatly across the city of Johannesburg [along with the Parktown, Westcliff and Northcliff ridges]. Collectively, this formation acts as a watershed between the Crocodile River in the north and the Vaal River in the South,” said Fleminger.
“So, you could say that a raindrop that falls on the north side of the ridge will end up in the Indian Ocean (via the Crocodile and Limpopo rivers) while a raindrop that falls on the south side will end up in the Atlantic Ocean (via the Vaal and Orange rivers).”
He said the undeveloped part of Linksfield Ridge runs from Cyrildene to Gillooly’s farm and boasts awesome views over the city, abundant bird and plant life, and ancient quartzite outcrops dating back three billion years – making them some of the earliest rock formations on earth.
Fleminger said there are also several interesting historical sites on the ridge including the location of a spotlight erected by the British during the Anglo-Boer War and an iron-age village dating back about 500 years. The latter was excavated prior to the construction of a large subterranean reservoir, which was dug into the ridge during the late 1970s and still supplies the surrounding suburbs with water.
“All in all, the ridge is a spectacular natural asset and should be a popular destination for all nature lovers. Unfortunately, after decades of neglect, the ridge is largely unused and barely acknowledged by the authorities. Hopefully, this is all about to change,” said Fleminger.
Following a proposal by Fleminger, supported by the JHF, the establishment of a network of urban hiking trails along the ridge is being considered, along with the formal declaration of the ridge as a protected natural area. The goal is to put the necessary infrastructure in place so that Joburgers will finally have safe access to this remarkable natural space, Fleminger said.
In the meantime, the JHF continues to run guided hiking tours along the ridge.
Details: For more information, please visit the Friends of Linksfield Ridge on Facebook or contact davidfleminger@gmail.com
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