Work party weeds out invasive plants
Toti Conservancy members are passionate about restoring and strengthening the biodiversity along the Amanzimtoti and Little Amanzimtoti rivers
A work party organised by Toti Conservancy tackled the alien invasive plants below Lords and Legends in what is known as the Hutchison Park extension and which forms part of Ilanda Wilds on Saturday, 23 April.
Kingsway High School’s Green Scorpions, Amanzimtoti Sports Centre and members of the public, together with Bongani Zama of natural resources were instructed by Gill van Wyk, an expert on alien plant removal. Gill showed the teams what alien plants were being targeted and how to effectively remove them.
“This is an ideal learning experience for the Green Scorpions,” said Caitlin Rendle, the Kingsway High School teacher who heads up the team. “Not only are they able to see what alien invasive plants look like, but they are gaining hands-on experience in their removal. There is nothing more satisfying than being a part of restoring the indigenous biodiversity in Amanzimtoti,” said Caitlin.
“The Green Scorpions have plans to get their hands dirty in other conservation projects in the area and have an exciting project in the pipeline,” said Lisa Fereirra, a Natural and Life Science teacher who works with the Green Scorpions.
Toti Conservancy members are passionate about restoring and strengthening the biodiversity along the Amanzimtoti and Little Amanzimtoti rivers, which have taken a beating due to effluent pollution further upstream.
“Ilanda Wilds has the largest diversity of butterfly species in the country,” said Angus Pyke, newly-elected Toti Conservancy chairman. “It is immensely important that we value and protect this area so that it can continue to attract not only butterflies, but other indigenous species that thrive in this environment.”
The conservancy will organise future work parties similar to this one, either alongside or on the river.
If you would like to learn more about identifying and eradicating alien plants, contact Gill van Wyk on 071-403-0320 or email shackleton1@telkomsa.net. For information on Toti Conservancy, contact Angus Pyke via email on anguspyke@yahoo.co.uk.
