R1.1 million Endorses a Forest Boardwalk in Bulwer

The Sappi WWF TreeRoutes Partnership has funded a boardwalk and interpretive centre to the amount of R1.1 million in Marhutswa Forest near Bulwer, about 90 minutes from Pietermaritzburg.  The project was initiated by the Bulwer Biosphere to help rehabilitate and ensure the preservation of the 3000ha of Scarp forest and to protect its endemic flora and fauna.  The eco-tourism venture will also create jobs for the local community and provide guided walks through the forest.

The relatively unknown Marhutswa forest is situated a few kilometers east of Bulwer and looks onto the spectacular Bulwer Mountain.  The forest has a history of abuse dating back to the 1880’s when it was severely logged for its valuable timber. Now all three species of Yellowwood can be found in the forest and there are vines estimated to be more than 1000 years old.  It hosts a rich variety of birdlife including the indigenous Cape Parrot and the beautiful Knysna Lourie.  It is also home to the dwarf chameleon – endemic to Scarp Forests in KZN – and small mammals such as tree dassie and bush pig.  A full species survey will be undertaken in months to follow.

The project, launched at the beginning of February this year, will be open to visitors by the end of 2007.  The Wildlands Conservation Trust has been contracted to facilitate the implementation of the project and will oversee the construction of the boardwalk.  The boardwalk will include viewing decks, observation jetties, picnic spots and a 6.5m observation tower.  There will also be a refreshment kiosk, an arts and crafts gallery, an indigenous nursery and comprehensive interpretation facilities.

Trained personnel (sourced from the local community) will be on hand to assist visitors as well as provide guided walks for those who would like a more informative tour of the forest.  Funds generated from the boardwalk will go towards maintenance of the facilities and environmental education initiatives in the community. Not only will the boardwalk boost local tourism but it will also provide an avenue for local craftsmen and women to display and sell their works.

The forest is in the early stages of rehabilitation and there are still patches of the invasive Wattle and other alien plants.  Walking through the forest one can still see the old saw pits that were used in the 1800’s as well as the remnants of small scale logging in recent years.  The boardwalk will ensure that this history of abuse does not repeat itself.  Extreme care is being taken to ensure minimal impact on the forest during the project’s development. For example, much of the construction process will take place off site to prevent noise infiltrating into the forest and paths will be carved from the old logging tracks to evade unnecessary transplanting.

With completion scheduled for the latter half of this year, visitors can look forward to a peaceful, relaxing day outdoors with family and friends in this one of KZN’s best kept secrets.  For more information on the Marhutswa Boardwalk and other exciting ventures of the Sappi WWF Tree Routes Partnership visit the website at http://www.treeroutes.co.za/

Midmar’s 8-Miler’s – Everyday Champions

The Midmar Mile was first held with only 153 swimmers in 1974 and 34 years the Halfway-Telkom Midmar Mile boasts entries of over 17 000.  It has become the signature event on the South African swimming calendar and a source of pride for KwaZulu-Natal.  What many don’t know about however is that every year for the last 5 years a group swimmers have swum all eight events to raise money for charity.  The 8-Mile Club have to date raised over R1,75 million for local and national charities.

In 2001, Durban businessman Stan Kozlowski, was the first person to do all 8-miles. The idea was borne after Stan swam a 12km event to raise money for the Hospice who had taken good care of a friend’s mother in the last few months of her life.  2001 was the first year the Midmar Mile held 8 events (it had previously been 6) and Stan did each one with a different family member or work colleague “to keep me company” he says.  He did it again the following two year’s and in 2004 the club was formally established, starting with 15 members.  The membership has risen to 25 and last year over R500 000 was raised for various charities.  This year the pre-race pledges have already surpassed the half a million Rand mark.  Of this, Stan and fellow member Mike Roscoe, have raised R84 000 and R129 000 each respectively.

Many charities have benefited from the club including the SPCA, SA Guide Dogs Association, CHOC, Little Eden and the Cancer Association of South Africa; but none more than Hilton-based conservation organisation the Wildlands Conservation Trust.  Stan has shown his unwavering commitment to conservation since he started raising funds for Wildlands in 2002 and has raised over R350 000 for the Trust alone since then.  This year should bring the total up to half a million rand.  “Stan has been a champion for the Trust and we are so grateful” said Fundraising manager Christine Bateson.  “Every year he comes back having gotten thousands of Rands in pledges through his business and personal networks and every year his contribution is bigger than the last; it just shows that one person really can make a difference” she said.  Bateson expressed special thanks to all the individuals and companies who have supported Stan and the Trust along the way.

“My daughter helped me a lot [with administration of the fundraising] through the years” Stan said, “and she is participating this year for the first time, which I am pleased about”. Nastassja is 21 years old but there are members as young as 14 participating. “We are trying to create charitable hearts amongst young people” said Kozlowski.  “For a lot of guys this is their last year and the younger guys (and girls) are going to take over”.  “It’s wonderful that all the younger swimmers want to part of this”.

The club will still be accepting pledges until end of February.  If you would like to make a pledge for Wildlands or any of the charities please call Stan on 083 654 8663.