Ramblers to hike through Chatsworth national heritage site
In the reserve there is an indigenous plant nursery that specializes in the propagation of medicinal plants that were fast becoming endangered
DURBAN Ramblers Hiking Club will visit Chatsworth’s Silverglen Nature Reserve on Saturday, 12 August.
Call hike leader Linda on 083-353-8319 to confirm.
Established in Chatsworth’s extensive green belt around the Umlaas River and lake, the Silverglen Nature Reserve – which is a national heritage site – is home to a huge variety of birds and rare trees.
In the reserve there is an indigenous plant nursery which specialises in the propagation of medicinal plants that were fast becoming endangered in their natural habitat. This nursery, the first of its kind in Africa and the largest, played a key role in preserving certain medicinal plants from extinction. Meet at 1.30pm (note the earlier time) at the nursery in the Silverglen Nature Reserve (Lakeview Drive, Chatsworth). Directions: Take the N2 south, take exit 154 for M1/Higginson Highway towards Chatsworth, take Silverglen Drive to Lakeview Drive, turn left onto Havenside Drive, turn left onto Silverglen Drive and then turn left onto Lakeview Drive. There is a R20 donation towards the reserve. This 6km hike is graded two, moderate (one uphill).
On Sunday, 13 August Ramblers take a hike to Verbara in Umhlali.
Call hike leader Jenny Rooks on 084-952-0622 to confirm.
This hike in the Umhlali area is through coastal forest, shady streams, grasslands, protea and macadamia nut plantations and undulating sugar cane fields. Meet at 7.30am at Virginia Airport or at 8.15am at the Shell garage in Ballito (from the M4, turn left past the shopping centre) and hikers will travel in convoy to the start. Petrol sharing will be resolved on the day. Donation R20 for members, R30 for non-members. This 16km hike is graded two to three.
