VISIT
Ferncliffe Nature Reserve is open to all. While some of its forest trails are overgrown, there is an expansive picnic area, and views out over the city.
You’ll find it by driving all the way to the top of Town Bush Road. Be aware the dirt road can be too rough for sedan cars, and sometimes muddy.
We suggest taking lots of drinking water, something to keep the mozzies away from your ankles, and binoculars. Visitors keen to learn more about indigenous plants would do well to invest in these publications from the Flora and Fauna Publications Trust: Wild Flowers of KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Region, Trees of Eastern South Africa and that handy staple, Forest Plants in the Forest and in the Garden.
Our pilot project area is further down the valley — just look out for the bamboos! We are not open for visits, but the pilot project site is on public land. Our small nursery will eventually specialise in key species not widely available from existing garden stores. It will be focused on tree-growing for the project, not for commercial purposes. It is being established with advice from botanist Michele Hofmeyr, former manager of the Skukuza indigenous nursery, Kruger National Park.
Volunteers are always welcome – there are enough weeds to keep all busy. Weed-whacking is wonderful exercise, a great way of spending time in nature and outdoors, and you can learn more about the mistbelt environment in the company of like-minded people. Contact us to volunteer some time and we’ll slot you in to a weekly or monthly group, depending on demand.
‘It’s the little things citizens do. That’s what will make the difference. My little thing is planting trees.’
Wangari Maathai