Silverglen Nature Reserve

Walking update… 2 March 2010

NEW GERMANY NATURE RESERVE…

I am glad that we decided to re-visit the New Germany Nature Reserve as although the section which we originally did was very easy to do – the Ngqobeni Block was not.  Our leader led us up a slight incline and then for the next 15/ 20 minutes we made a very rapid decline along the perimeter fence with barking dogs and houses (with empty swimming pools) on the left.  Eventually the path flattened out for a while and we turned right - towards the reserve again.  The path was mostly under trees at this stage and cool to walk along but the bush surrounds were very thick and this stopped one from seeing any vista. 

As the old saying goes, “When there is a down-hill – there must be an uphill coming” and that was the case.  The walk back to the top of the Block was a steady uphill – with a few zig zag’s to make it bearable.  As someone who “hates uphills” – this will certainly not be one of my favorite walks!  I think that others also found it challenging as people agreed that on a scale of 1 – 10 it came in at an 8.5.

A donation of R50 was placed in the donation box in the Information Centre at the Reserve.

Welcome to visitors and new members

Muhammed and Elna joined the group and managed extremely well for their first walk. 

Membership fees received:

Membership fees were received from Rosemary Hutchinson, Fathima Saker and her son Muhammed, Dave Dobbin, Christine Jankowitz and Jenny Stone.  Thank you all

NEXT WALK – 14 MARCH 2010

Silverglen Nature Reserve…

The first nursery of medicinal plants in Africa is incorporated in this reserve which also boasts about 150 bird and some 120 tree species.  A remnant patch of bush between two rapidly developing urban communities combines grassland, forest and riverine habitats and provides a refuge for all that remains of a once-prolific wildlife population. 

Due to current circumstances the Reserve no longer maintain their paths as they had done in the past, however I have spoken to Ross Crouch, the man in charge, and he is happy to supply two of his field rangers to accompany the Toti Ramblers whilst taking us on a guided tour of the area.

While the original picnic area is no longer available – there will be a spot for us to have our normal tea and sandwiches after the walk as well as a nursery to encourage you to buy indigenous plants.

Directions:

From the N2 take the Higginson Highway off ramp – continue approximately 2 km then turn Left into Havenside Drive.   After 500 m turn left again into Silverglen Drive and after 3,7 km (just after the Caltex service station) left once more into Lakeview Road.  Follow this narrow road for about 600 m to the reserve gates and then continue another 2 km to the nursery and visitor centre.

We will be walking – rain or shine – so look forward to seeing you all there.

Please note:

We will be meeting at Lords and Legends between 07:15 and 07:30 for those who do not have transport and require a lift.