We are truly privileged to live in the beautiful urban nature reserve of Gillitts Park. As the indigenous forrest has returned to the valleys, we have seen a fabulous array of wildlife return to the area. It's not uncommon to see a duiker trotting down the road as it travels between green belts. If you are lucky you might even spot a porcupine or wild pig!
However, when areas get overgrown, it can prove to be a security issue. We aim to strike a balance between maintaining our natural environment and minimising security risk. We do this with 2 projects running concurrently - Clearing, and Planting.
- Clearing - By clearing overgrown entry points into our area, we are able to reduce the security risks. Examples of areas which we ensure are kept clear of undergrowth and maintained are:
- The walking route for staff from Edward Drive to the M13
- The rail reserve area from Camp Road through to Ashley Drive.
- Ashley Dam – the Ethekwini Parks Department now maintain this regularly and have installed benches for our enjoyment.
- Iphithi - This beautiful Nature Reserve is surprisingly large and humming with birds and wildlife. With parking, a braai area at the top and a lovely picnic area by the dam, it is a great place to take a walk with the family along the maintained paths. In order to access Ipithi you will need to call the number on the Ipithi gate.
- Sheila Place/Ashley green belt – this area is maintained by the Ethekwini Parks Department, as well as the bushy area on Sheila Place
- The Minerva grassland is also maintained by a combination of Gillitts conservancy
- Security Plants - You can build the thickest wall or the tallest, most electric fence but, nothing stops a suspicious character in his steps more than thick, very prickly plant. The Security Plant project has seen the strategic placement of unfriendly plants in problem areas and sneaky routes used by undesirables. There are many upsides to this project, the most prominent being that plants can provide the security measures needed, while not restricting the movement of our wildlife, with the added benefit that many of these plants provide fruit for the wildlife to eat too.