Zandvlei Trust Meetings

On Wednesday Val Charlton used a Powerpoint presentation to illustrate a talk on uKuvuku's activities around Cape Town. She showed how they have influenced the layout and building in the 'townships' to help reduce the risk of fires burning down the dwellings. Also the progress on Table Mountain since the disaterous fire in the summer of 2000. She discussed the planting of indigenous species in the garden. A suggestion that any pavement or vacant plot could be planted and adopted by the local neighbourhood.
She distributed pamphlets and brochures with information on plant species for the Cape Flats.

Val Charlton discussing a querry with Megan Wells.

John Bolton in discussion with Clifford Dorse.

Clifford Dorse explained the importance of Zandvlei as the most westerly estuary on the South African, eastern coast line. He explained how important the estuary is for sea fish species, whose young need shelter from predators and the elements to become adult fish. Salinity levels in the Zandvlei are an important constituent making an estuary. Managing the levels of the vlei with the present rubble weir, does not allow the vlei to scour itself. The resultant problem it is silting up and the water depth for sailors is not ideal as well for the fish populations. The lack of salinity in recent years has allowed some water plants to proliferate and cause the blocking of canals and reed beds. This is being addressed with biological control methods. The balance has to be managed very carefully.
Another point emphasised that we should not lose any more natural vegetated corridors from the mountain to the vlei. These corridors provide food, shelter and access to the vlei and back to the mountain for animals, insects and birds.

Hugh Manning and Clifford. Una Hartley explaining something to Tim Hoffman.

Elsette Krynauw, Student Officer discussing the sand prawn specimens.