KZN’s beauty is all around us
Not much has been said about the province's beautiful and unique forests, until now.
There’s no denying that KwaZulu-Natal is blessed with amazing natural assets.
Tourism bodies consistently promote our Berg, Beach and Bush in numerous marketing endeavours to attract tourists and investors to our shores. And for good reason.
But not much has been said about the province’s beautiful and unique forests, until now.
Owing to ideal climatic conditions and well-drained soils, the forests of KwaZulu-Natal’s North Coast boast a diversity of plant and tree species which in turn attract abundant wildlife.
Bird and animal life spotted in these lush ecosystems include the rare green coucal, wattle eye flycatcher, blue and red duiker, snakes such as pythons and black mambas, bush pigs, porcupines, leguaans, genet cats and many more.
Dr Richard Kinvig is a man who can most certainly see the wood for the trees. As a well-respected ecologist who specialises in Botany, Ecology, Environmental Science, Zoology and Entomology, he has been involved in over 200 projects within the environmental field.
Offering expert insight and considerable experience in terms of environmental management, he also recognises the benefits of spending time in the great outdoors.
“There are several large pockets of forest close to each other which each offer something different and unique to see and experience. This potential for accessibility to a variety of different plant and animal species means visitors to the forests won’t always see the same thing, and can return over-and-again to different sections of the inter-connected coastal bands for a totally engaging and new adventure,” says Kinvig.
The protected Hawaan Forest, part of which falls within Sibaya Coastal Precinct, harbours lesser-known tree species such as the threatened Cavacoa aurea or Natal Hickory and Cola natalensis or Coshwood.
The Buffalo Thorn which is normally quite stunted in other places grows to enormous proportions in the Hawaan Forest.
A common but iconic tree is the protected Coastal Red Milkwood or Mimusops caffra.
These typically occur from the high tide mark on coastal dunes into the forest.
The eMdloti Urban Improvement Project (UIP) will be planting Milkwoods along the seaside resort’s frontal dunes as part of their greening programme.
As land stewards for a part of KwaZulu-Natal’s coastline, Tongaat Hulett takes greening seriously and is committed to developing these areas in a sustainable manner to bring residents and visitors closer to these prized natural wonders.
One example is the magnificent fever tree forest on uMhlanga Rocks Drive on La Lucia Ridge.
The 1 000-hectare Sibaya Coastal Precinct encompasses 308 hectares of forest, 6.5 kilometres of beach and two estuaries. These areas will be linked through an open space system featuring 75 kilometres of trails, green corridors and raised boardwalks.
Richard is part of the recently established Sibaya Coastal Precinct Conservation Trust mandated to manage the rehabilitation, maintenance, preservation and appropriate utilisation of the Precinct’s natural assets in an ecologically sustainable manner.
“We are exploring ways in which residents and the public can access these areas sustainably to grow interest and appreciation for them,” he says. The team is also exploring the possibility of a zip line and linking the uMhlanga promenade all the way to the eMdloti lagoon, in time.
>> Ready to say ‘I Do’ on the Dolphin Coast? Meet the team ready to advise, help and deliver on your big day.
>> Visit our Education feature for a collection of all the best schools, tutoring systems, and even some colleges and training facilities on the North Coast.
Do you want to receive news alerts via WhatsApp? Send us a WhatsApp message (not an sms) with your name and surname to 061 718 4438.
Please read our WhatsApp broadcast list disclaimer.
Join us on BBM at 59015786
Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
