Page 18 - FWG December Issue 2022

Estate News

FOURWAYS GARDENS NATURE RESERVE

Before 2022 draws to a close,
we’d like to share the progress

we’ve made and the envisaged
future of our Nature Reserve.
W e opportunities and thoughts
great
have
some
Nature
the
surrounding
Reserve. While the property
belongs to City Parks, and the cranes
are on loan from the Johannesburg Zoo
for supervised safekeeping, we’ve had
constructive meetings with City Parks, and
they are in favour of the HOA taking over the
regular maintenance and management of
the Nature Reserve. City Parks acknowledges
that the work put into the Phase 2 wetland
area has been excellent, and this paves the
way for favourable talks around the Nature
Reserve. With the assistance of our local
councillor, we’re hoping for approval to take
over maintaining the Nature Reserve, if not
this year, then by the end of January 2023 at
the latest.
Going forward
First and foremost, we need to ensure that
the cranes are settled in a safe environment
for their own well-being. To this end, they
are being observed by City Parks, and
already some changes have been made
to ensure that the newest resident, the
crowned crane, settles in well. We are also
in talks with City Parks to find a partner for
the crowned crane, which we believe will
help all the cranes to settle down.
The Nature Reserve facility has been
underutilised, which is a pity for such a
beautiful resource. Currently, there’s a bird
hide, and limited facilities available to all
residents. In 2023, we plan to make the Nature
Reserve more inclusive for all residents, with
various activities, including talks on the use
and history of the koppies and the reserve,
cranes, tortoises and terrapins, and various
other educational activities suggested. When
appropriate, we will host a couple of park
clean-up days to deal with litter. Numerous
other activities are being considered in
conjunction with the likes of Arbour Day,
Breast Cancer Awareness, Heritage Day,
Women’s Month, and Father’s Day. We’d also
like residents to use the area for small private
picnics and special occasions, but more on
this to follow in due course

Fourways Gardens • 16 • December 2022