Volunteers and members of Westville Conservancy recently conducted a clean-up where they removed invasive alien plants and replanted indigenous plants at Duncan Park, Fyfe Park, Westville Dog Park and Palmiet River crossing recently.
The conservancy’s Sue Smith said that the Duncan Park located in Westville North has so much potential and it is part of the Westville Conservancy’s plan to rehabilitate and elevate the status of parks.
“A big thank you to residents who recently came out to help clean-up Duncan Park. The aim is to have a grassy picnic and play area surrounded by natural grassland, wetland and forest areas thus increasing biodiversity and wild life, whilst at the same time creating a safe place for all to enjoy. We now hope to move onto the next phase, which will involve maintaining the park and introducing trails, with boardwalks and bridges so that the whole park can be explored and enjoyed. Fyfe Park, just around the corner from Duncan Park is also starting to look good.The conservancy has been removing invasive alien plants and although they will never disappear completely, they are on ‘maintenance stage’, as the work becomes less each time a new sweep is completed. As with our other parks we have a central grassy area and the natural wetland and grassland species have been allowed to flourish. We also hope to create a pathway with boardwalks through these natural areas,” added Smith.
Another Westville Conservancy member, Jean Senogles said that with the Early Morning Dog Walkers, have recently built new steps at the Westville Dog Park.
“They are already half way through the project and dogs and their owners are thoroughly enjoying the new walkway. We have also been working at the Palmiet Nature Reserve as walks in involve boulder hopping across the river to get to the trail on the other side. This can be quite a challenge for those of us who are not so nimble. In the past a suspension bridge washed away and various bridge options have been considered, but these are costly and there is also still the risk that they could get damaged in very high water conditions. Rob and his team recently set out to solve this problem and have created a low cost causeway type crossing over the Palmiet River,” said Senogles.
Senogles added that their plans on Palmiet River involved inserting wide diameter pipes so that the water can flow through, then piling boulders and smaller rocks on top to form a level path. “The idea is that if the water level rises, the water and debris will flow over the top and not dam up into the structure. If there is any damage it can be easily and cheaply repaired once the water level subside,”she said.
