Greening
SPECIAL EDITION NEWSLETTER - UPDATE greening
There is some overlap between this portfolio and that of cleaning in that, to a large extent, greener is cleaner and vice versa. This will include “greener” more efficient use of resources – for example liaison with the Tygerburg Nature Reserve towards future joint initiatives.
LONG TERM GOALS (UP TO 2025)
- Restore & Conserve Native Biodiversity in our Green Spaces.
- Create Functional Corridors to Connect our Green Spaces to the Tygerberg Nature Reserve. • Increase the Recreational Value of our Green Spaces.
- Improve the Habitat Quality of our Green Spaces. No “Blandscaping”!
PROJECT 1: BIODIVERSITY CORRIDORS
The “What”
- Step 1: Transform neglected road verges, vacant public open spaces & parks to serve as green corridors.
- Step 2: Remove invasive alien species.
- Step 3: Design green spaces to maximise environmental benefit & community use. Focus: restore critically endangered Swartland Shale Renosterveld
- Step 4: Plant of pioneer species (year 1); plant nectar-rich species (year 2); & plant specialist species to increase habitat quality (year 3).
- Step 5: Work together with the City of Cape Town to manage corridors using biodiversity sensitive practices (mulching, altering frequency and timing of mowing etc.)
The “How”
- Include clearance of invasive alien species along identified corridors in “cleaning & maintenance” schedule of M.E.S.
- Home Nursery Programme – WCID volunteers grow plants for corridors. WCID organises training days and provides seeds/cuttings.
- In March – April, WCID organises planting days where community members plant our home-grown Swartland Shale Renosterveld plants along corridors.
Benefits
- Improving biodiversity & re-establishing critically endangered Swartland Shale Renosterveld in our transformed urban landscape.
- Positive effects on physical & psychological health of our residents; social cohesion; a sense of belonging & economic gain.
PROJECT 2: RECREATION
The “How”
- Include footpaths & seating areas in the design of corridors (e.g. picnic spots in the parks and benches along footpaths).
- Identify parks and/or neglected public open spaces suitable for construction of “pump tracks” (enlist the help of volunteers to design and build the tracks)
- Upgrade playground equipment in our parks.
GET INVOLVED
The “How”
- Volunteer to serve on the “Greening” committee
- Join our “home nursery” programme
- Attend our workshops to learn about wildlife gardening practices & how to propagate fynbos
- Join us on planting days & alien vegetation clearing events
- Volunteer to design and/or build “pump tracks” in our neglected green areas or in designated parks.
