| A GUIDE TO COUNTRY LIVING |
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Country Living Links
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1 Balgowan Conservancy 2 The District 3 Rules and Regulations 4 Civic Structures 5 Tourism 6 Birds 7 Animals 8 Trees 9 Wild Flowers 10 Wetlands |
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Introduction
This information has been compiled to consolidate information which will be useful to the residents of the Balgowan and Caversham areas. While not exhaustive, it is hoped that both new and established residents will use it as a guide to the area and to the regulations and organisations needed by them from time to time.
If any part of this publication is copied or quoted please acknowledge the source.
If more specific information is required please contact 033 234 4189
The Conservancy gives special thanks to Peter & Priscilla Francis for supporting the publication of this edition of the handbook
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The Balgowan Conservancy was established in 1978 by landowners in the area who were concerned about the reduction in the number of game and general degradation of the environment. With much help from the then Natal Parks Board, the conservancy was duly started and became the first of many conservancies with the same objectives which have spread across KwaZulu Natal into neighbouring provinces and across borders into neighbouring states. There are now 387 conservancies in South Africa of which 220 are in KwaZulu-Natal.
The affairs of the conservancy movement in KZN are looked after by the KZN Conservancies Association to which organisation most conservancies in the province belong.
The accepted definition of a conservancy is:
" The voluntary co-operative environmental management of an area by its community and users and in respect of which registration has been granted by the relevant provincial nature conservation authority ."
Conservancies now operate in diverse environments ( rural, urban, industrial, and coastal ), and their activities vary depending on their location. In our case because of changes in land use and demographics since its inception, the original scope has been widened to include not only environmental management but acting also on behalf of the Balgowan community on such matters as road maintenance, litter, labour relations, crime prevention and unathorised development. Membership has been made more inclusive and all landowners and residents are urged to join the Balgowan Conservancy and to help enhance not only the environment and the beauty of the countryside but the quality of life for all living in the area.
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The Balgowan Conservancy covers between two and three thousand hectares, and extends from Notting Hill Lodge in the north to Granny Mouse Hotel in the south, and from the Mondi plantations bordering the N3 highway in the east to Michaelhouse and Mooifontein in the west. The appended map shows this more clearly. Increased membership of the Conservancy extends these boundaries. The area is traversed by the R103 from Nottingham Road to Lidgetton, and the Durban-Johannesburg railway line, and is drained by the Lions and Mphofana rivers and their tributaries.
There are presently about seventy landowners in the area and individual holdings vary from several hundred hectares to as few as four hectares. Land use includes commercial farming, Michaelhouse ,a private school, several state schools, flower nurseries, shoe factories, chicken farms, bed and breakfast enterprises, hotels, conference centres, craft shops, private residences and vacant ground. Several residential properties are not permanently occupied.
The original land area comprised mistbelt forest and Natal mistbelt Sourveld grassland, with numerous streams and associated wetlands. This has been extensively modified and degraded by the planting of exotic trees and pastures, and by the invasion of alien vegetation. The residue of the original indigenous vegetation, especially the mistbelt forest and wetlands, is under severe threat from further modification and is one of the crucial factors in the Conservancy's conservation efforts.
It can be seen that this combination of comparatively high population density, uncontrolled development, diverse land use and commercial activity, and an already highly compromised ecology requires serious attention by the whole population if anything of the original beauty of the area is to be saved.
The motivation for doing this is not solely aesthetic as the natural beauty of the district is one of its main commercial attractions and the reason that many people living here came here in the first place.
The major regulations applying to landowners in the district are:
3.1 Fire regulations
These apply to all landowners and the rules are available from the Nottingham Road Landowners Association's office situated in the library building. It is important to be aware of these regulations and to carry out one's obligations with regard to burning as the possible consequences of fires getting out of control are very serious. Landowners are liable for damage caused by a fire started on their land .
First Category Offences are:
1.When the Minister has published a warning of a high fire danger, any person who lights a fire in the open air.
2. Any owner, occupier or person in control of land on which a fire occurs who fails to take reasonable steps to extinguish the fire or to confine it to that land or to prevent it from causing damage to property or adjoining land.
A First category Offence carries a sentence / fine or imprisonment of up to two years.
Second Category Offences:
1. Leave a fire which he/she has lit unattended.
2. Fails to prepare a firebreak, give notice of intention to burn a firebreak and fails to meet the standard of readiness for fire fighting.
A Second category Offence carries a sentence / fine or imprisonment of up to one year.
Current prohibitions on burning can be obtained from your Committee or from the fire warden for your district.
Ian Cribbins - 033 234 4197 and 082 450 9634
A Roulliard - 082 373 4181
RI Hulley - 033 2666546
PS Long - 033 2666514
Apart from the legal aspects veld burning when properly carried out has a beneficial effect on this endangered portion of the environment.
Much useful information on veld management can be obtained from our Ezemvelo District Conservation Officer, Mr George Zoloumis (082 430 5290).
3.2 Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act
Many alien plants species have added value to our lives - food, fibre, beauty, windbreaks, and more. But some have become invasive - spreading and growing out of control. Invasive alien plants destroy biodiversity and consume arable land. There are 198 species that are listed as invasive. Listed below are six of the most invasive alien plants found in our Conservancy.
• Black Wattle
• Blue gum
• American Bramble
• Sesbania
• Syringa
• Bugweed
Bugweed and American bramble are category 1 plants that must be controlled on land by all land users. Property may not be transferred, subdivided or changed in use unless listed plants are controlled. 'Controlled' generally means eradicated.
All can be controlled by commercially available herbicides, and advice is available from nurseries, Natalagri, Exchange Lane, Howick 033 330 6144 , and Ecoguard Distributors (Pty) Ltd., 28 Laurel Crescent, Merrivale. 033 330 6985.
It is in the landowners' interests to familiarise themselves with these regulations. A copy Is held by your committee and further information is available from the Dept. of Land Affairs, 033 355 4300
3.3 National Environmental Management Act 1998
This is a wide-ranging Act, the preamble of which states:
"Everyone has the right to have the environment protected for the benefit of the present and future generations through reasonable legislative and other measures that:
• Prevent pollution and ecological degradation;
• Promote conservation; and
• Secure ecologically sustainable development and use of natural resources while promoting justifiable economic and social development.
A copy of this Act is held by your Committee, and further information can be had from the Dept. of Traditional and Environment Affairs 033 347 1820.
3.4 Basic Conditions of Employment Act 1997
Every employer should be familiar with this Act which is the over-riding regulation governing terms of employment.
The main topics dealt with are:
• Who is the Act for;
• Working time;
• Leave;
• Job information and payment;
• Termination of employment;
• Child labour and forced labour;
• Variations of basic conditions.
A summary document is held by your Committee, and further information can be had from the Dept. of Labour 033 461 6030.
3.5 Working For Water
A pilot alien eradication scheme was initiated by Umgeni Water to clear alien vegetation from the water course of the Mpofana river and its tributaries which traverse our Conservancy. The work of clearing was completed in 2001, but because of lack of government funding the vital follow-up activities will no longer be done by uMngeni Water, but fall upon the riparian owners with assistance from uMngeni Water.
Keeping the stream courses free from invaders makes good ecological sense and the Conservancy will monitor the situation and help where possible on request from residents.
Tel 021 405 2200 Fax 021 425 7880`
4.1 uMngeni Municipality
The area falls under the uMngeni Municipality in Howick. This organisation has considerable influence in our area. The following activities fall under its jurisdiction:
• Approval of all building plans
• Approval of changes in land use
• Valuation and rating of properties
• All commercial operations, including B&Bs, must be registered
• Vehicle licensing
The municipality will also intervene in cases of uncontrolled building, littering, pollution and other health hazards.
uMngeni Municipality
PO Box 5
Howick
033 330 6124
4.2 Nottingham Road Landowners Association
PO Box 32 Nottingham Road 3280
033 266 6032
Membership of this association has the benefit of representation on numerous civic bodies. It is the vehicle through which issues such as rates will be addressed. Membership fee structure is variable.
4.3 Police Forum
The Conservancy is represented on a Police Forum. Its purpose is to liaise between the public and the SAPS, and help to resolve any difficulties.
4.4 Farm Radio Network
The Nottingham Road Landowners Association organises a farm radio network on the citizen band frequency. The network is useful for security and information purposes. For more information contact the NRLA .
4.5 Ballid Protection Services PO Box 54 Balgowan 3275
Ballid Protection Services are contracted to many residents and carry out a proactive crime prevention function which includes foot and vehicle patrols, response to emergency calls, guards, and liaison with the SAPS.
033 330 3777 & 082 877 0662
4.6 Schools
There are several schools in the area
• Michaelhouse School at Balgowan
• Asithuthuka Combined School between Balgowan & Nottingham Road
• Indezi Combined School on the N3
• Jubula Combined School at Lidgetton
• Crystal Springs Junior School at Lidgetton
• On the borders of our area in Nottingham Road are Clifton and Kings junior private schools and the Midlands Training Centre.
4.7 The John Wilson Clinic Balgowan 033 234 4573
The John Wilson Clinic has a state aided nursing sister in attendance and is located next to the Balgowan Post Office. Patients pay a nominal fee per consultation (excluding immunization) and the remaining costs are borne by public subscription. The clinic is a great asset to the community and deserves our unstinted support.
The clinic is open from 8.00h to 13.00h Monday to Thursday and 8.00h to 12.00h on Friday.
The Conservancy is in the middle of the Midlands Meander and supports very many tourist orientated activities such as bed and breakfast establishments, hotels, fishing lodges, craft markets and others.
There is a tourist centre at Nottingham Road 033 2
The Conservancy has a diverse bird population because of its mixed habitat which includes forest, grassland and wetland. A bird list of about 165 species is available from your Committee.
The Nottingham Road Bird Club welcomes new members. There are no fees and bird walks are organised during the summer months. Rarities such as the Nerina Trogon, Knysna Lourie, Bush Blackcap, Cape Parrot and the endemic cranes may be seen.
The Nottingham Road Bird Club can be contacted on Tel/Fax 033 234 4564.
A list of animals present in the Conservancy is available from the committee. The list includes Common Reedbuck, Bushbuck, Grey Duiker, Blue Duiker, highly endangered Oribi (The area is included in the National Oribi counts),
Serval, Caracal, hares, Porcupine, Bush Pig and various mongooses. Bonnox fencing is inimical to game movement and should have minimal use. The Conservancy organises an annual game count in winter to monitor game populations. Contact any committee member to become involved.
• The natural forest patches still contain more than 60 species of indigenous trees including sagewoods ( Buddleja sp .) yellowwoods ( Podocarpus latifolius , Podocarpus falcatus, Podocarpus henkelii ), Cape Chestnut ( Calodendrum capense ), White Stinkwood ( Celtis africanus ), Sneezewood ( Ptaeroxylon obliquum ) and Wild Peach ( Kiggelaria africana ).
To protect the remaining forests:
• Use good grass burning practices and never allow the fire nearer than 20 m from the verges
• Do not allow cattle to enter the forest
• Do not disturb the forest margin which protects from wind and frost
• Discourage bark-stripping for 'Muti' purposes
Indigenous forest and bush are controlled by strict legislation. It is incumbent on landowners to see that these regulations are observed.
Indigenous shrubs and trees are available from Nkosi Nursery in wholesale quantities. Phone Alex March 082 499 4082 for an appointment and directions. Smaller quantites are available from Yellowwood Nursery, Karkloof Road, Howick.
For further information contact the Dept of Forestry 033 342 8101.
Further reading:
• The Complete Guide to Trees of Natal, Zululand & Transkei, Elsa Pooley, Natal Flora Publications Trust, 1993. ISBN 0 620 17612 1
• Sappi Tree Spotting, Kwazulu-Natal Coast & Midlands, Jacana, 1998. ISBN 1 874955 51 4.
• Making The Most of Indigenous Trees, Fanie & Julie-Ann Venter, Briza Publications, 1996. ISBN 1 875093 05 2.
• Gardening with Indigenous Trees and Shrubs, David and Sally Johnson, Southern, 1993. ISBN 1 86812 459 2.
The Conservancy was once rich in natural flora such as varieties of Amaryllis, Crinums, Arums, Haemanthus, Brunsvigias and Natal Scilla. These larger, ever popular 'Muti' plants have been sadly denuded for medicinal use. Your gardens would be greatly enhanced by propagating them. Plants are often available from Indigenous nurseries and the Botanical Gardens in Pietermaritzburg.
Again, good veld burning practices tend to preserve and enhance indigenous flora.
Further reading:
• A Field Guide to Wild Flowers Kwazulu-Natal and the Eastern Region, Elsa Pooley, Natal Floral Publications Trust, 1998. ISBN 0-620-21500-3.
• Wild Flowers of South Africa, Struik, 1980. ISBN 0 86977 580 4.
These are under threat all over South Africa and our area is no exception. Increasing awareness of the vital importance of wetlands is an incentive for our community to preserve and rehabilitate them.
The Mondi Wetland Project is active in this work and can be contacted on 083 684 8000