KORSMAN CONSERVANCY
Sanctuary Lane grassland
Formerly choked with blackjacks, amaranth, Robinia pseudo-acacia, khakibos and kikuyu, this near-wasteland was so degraded that previous Conservancy management considered abandoning the area as a lost cause.
It is now a favourite of grassland birds and insects after a big initial clean-up followed by ongoing weeding, kikuyu spraying, ecological burning and re-seeding of wildflowers. Wattled Lapwings, Spotted Thicknees and guineafowl now breed here.
Aloe St storm water inlet
In this area, reeds grew up to the fence (2013 picture - reeds and trees are covered with Araujia serifera "Moth catcher" which we removed before the reeds were sprayed).
It has recovered with several native plants and sedges re-establishing, and a former impenetrable jungle now provides bird habitat.
It is still under threat from invasive vegetation carried in by the storm water inlet and is under ongoing management.
In 2018, the cottonwood trees fell over and are gradually being removed by a volunteer Conservancy member.
ENVIRONMENTAL REHABILITATION
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Some of these examples are smaller and secondary areas, which were seriously degraded. They have been restored and native wildflowers, grasses and sedges have recovered.
Areas around storm water inlets, being entry points for invasive plants, suffered especially badly. Sewerage spills into the drains, some ongoing for several years, encouraged reeds and bulrushes to establish.
These areas have been restored sufficiently to provide new bird habitat.
- Between Short Ave and Victoria Ave
- Sanctuary Lane grassland
- Aloe St inlet
- Opposite Aubrey Ritz Park - under oak trees
Between Short Ave and Victoria Ave (24 to 32 The Drive)
In 2013, reeds had encroached through the fence onto the verge,
and inside the fence was choked with invasive plants. It was
impossible to see any birds, let alone the water.
Ekurhuleni sprayed reeds and bulrushes initially, and we continue
progressively removing more using our self-developed pontoons
in the deeper water. We control weeds on the shore.
Under the oak trees opposite Aubrey Ritz Park
Another former impenetrable jungle of a giant cotoneaster, a mulberry, invasive saplings of several species, blackjacks and morning glory, this section now requires minimal maintenance.
It provides bird habitat, especially for Spur-winged Geese who graze in winter in the adjacent rehabilitated grassland.
