Conservation News
- Siza Water Tariff Increase July 2008
- Why a crowned eagle?
- Garden Maintenance at Zimbali Coastal Resort
- Approved Plant list
- Comprehensive Fauna and Flora list
- Vervet Monkeys – All you need to know
- And they lived happily ever after
Zimbali’s Conservation Management team are busy with several programmes for the benefit of the Estate and some of the key focus areas are listed below for interest.
Alien Vegetation Eradication
There is a structured programme running throughout Zimbali’s residential areas to monitor and eradicate alien vegetation such as Chromalena, Pereskia and Spanish Reed. This programme covers the Forest Estate and the residential areas of the Golf Estate. This is an on-going process and the project is tackled on a zone-by-zone rotational basis.
The gradual removal of the Casuarina trees is continuing and has to be done selectively in order to allow the ‘under canopy’ to adjust to the changes in wind and climatic conditions. The current focus is in the area of the new Lagoon Hotel site on the way down to the central lakes region.
Replanting of West Gate entrance
The West Gate entrance to Zimbali from the M4 is a feature of the Estate and creates an appealing backdrop for owners and guests arriving at the Resort. To enhance this area, the beds around the central traffic island have recently been replanted in KwaZulu Natal style with aloes, grasses and boulders. As these new beds establish themselves, so the entrance will become a main focal point of beauty for all to enjoy and admire.
Rehabilitation of Forestwood Road
Following the completion of the paving of Forestwood Road, the committee is considering the programme for the rehabilitation of the verges. Given that there is considerable construction planned for the area, the planting of verges would be premature, as they would be destroyed by heavy traffic. In order to improve the appearance of the road on an interim basis, the verges are being prepared with a generous coating of wood chippings to maintain moisture and encourage the forest floor to re-grow.
Weed growth on Estate roads
All of the Estate’s roads have recently been sprayed for both weeds and ants in preparation for the expected summer rains. Again, this is an on-going programme.
Our Buck population
Contrary to public belief that the Estate’s buck population is too big, the animals are very healthy indeed and expert opinion indicates that no animal removal should be considered at this time. Some of the animals are migrating to newer pastures and we are pleased to report that the Golf Course Estate is becoming a happy hunting ground for these lovely creatures. We would encourage owners and residents to plant as much buck food as possible to provide the species with the necessary nutrients to sustain the population.
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