Thursday, September 7, 2017

Free guided walks to celebrate spring blooms at City’s nature reserves

CITY OF CAPE TOWN

25 AUGUST 2017

MEDIA RELEASE

Free guided walks to celebrate spring blooms at City’s nature reserves

There is no need for residents to drive hours to see beautiful flowers when these blossoming blooms are right on our doorstep. Capetonians and visitors are more than welcome to enjoy free guided walks and festivities to be held at the City’s various nature reserves during September. Our reserves are home to thousands of plant, animal and bird species. Read more below:



In celebration of spring blooms, various City of Cape Town nature reserves will be hosting free guided walks and festivities to give visitors and nature enthusiasts the opportunity to see the new flowers on their doorstep, while enjoying the beauty of the natural environment.

The City of Cape Town is encouraging families to get outdoors and spend some time at any of the 16 nature reserves, which are in close proximity to urban areas. Our nature reserves boast rich biodiversity, being home to thousands of plant, animal and bird species. During September we will see beautiful new blooms springing up and it will be great for the public to see.  

‘We cannot thank our visitors enough for supporting our nature reserves throughout the year because through their entry tariffs, where applicable, they are contributing to the conservation and sustainability of our natural assets,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Transport and Urban Development, Councillor Brett Herron.

For more information on the City’s nature reserves, residents should please visit www.capetown.gov.za/naturereserves. Visitors are encouraged to call their local nature reserves directly for specific dates of festivities and guided walks – some of which are being finalised.

The list of upcoming events thus far is as follows:

The walks are free, however, entry tariffs are charged at some of the nature reserves. Visitors should always wear sunscreen and bring drinking water along. It is advisable to wear comfortable clothes, a sunhat and good hiking shoes or boots when doing the walks.

Event
Nature reserve
Date
Information/contact
Flower walks and heritage programmes
Edith Stephens Nature Reserve
Late August to
early September
Stacy-Anne Michaels:
Spring walk and
full moon stargazing
Tygerberg Nature Reserve
Spring walk:
Date to be confirmed for September

Full moon and stargazing:
6 September
Spring Walk:

Full moon and stargazing:
Contact Lizelle van der Merwe on 083 300 5146 for more information including cost
Spring walks
Botterblom
10 September
Lamees Chikte:
Spring walks
Uitkamp
2 September
Spring walks
Durbanville
14 October
Annual Spring Flower Walks
Table Bay Nature Reserve
at the Milnerton Racecourse
11 to 17 September
(full week)
Walks will begin at 10:00 each day and last approximately two hours. Participants will be guided through the entire reserve, including the restricted access Southern Area as well as the Rehabilitation Area, which is an exciting project that is under way at the reserve

Contact Kyran Wright: Please RSVP asap with the site manager at Kyran.Wright@capetown.gov.za to book your spot. Entry is free but spaces are limited. Children are welcome, however no pets allowed

Annual Spring Flower Walks
Table Bay Nature Reserve at the Coastal Section
6 and 20 September
(starts at 14:00)
The Annual Spring Event

Bracken Nature Reserve
16 September

The Bracken Nature Reserve in partnership with the Friends of Bracken Nature Reserve will host their event from 09:00 to 14:00. Activities include a spring walk among the Cape daisies, an exhibition of tarantulas, snakes and other creepy crawlies, as well as the firing of a cannon and a lucky draw. Entry is free. Refreshments will be on sale (cash only).
Contact Corne on 021 988 2822 to book a stall for R200 to sell beverages, food or crafts
Spring walks
Haasendal Nature Reserve
1 to 29 September
The walk is from 09:00 to12:00. Contact David Morris:
David.Morris@capetown.gov.za or 021 444 7545 to book your spot.
Entry is free but spaces are limited. Children are welcome, however no pets allowed


Issued by: Media Office, City of Cape Town