CITY OF

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MEDIA RELEASE Free guided walks to celebrate spring blooms at City’s nature reserves

There is no need for residents to drive hours to see beautiful flowers when these blossoming blooms are right on our doorstep. Capetonians and visitors are more than welcome to enjoy free guided walks and festivities to be held at the City’s various nature reserves during September. Our reserves are home to thousands of plant, animal and bird species. Read more below:

In celebration of spring blooms, various nature reserves will be hosting free guided walks and festivities to give visitors and nature enthusiasts the opportunity to see the new flowers on their doorstep, while enjoying the beauty of the natural environment. ‘The City of Cape Town is encouraging families to get outdoors and spend some time at any of the 16 nature reserves, which are in close proximity to urban areas. Our nature reserves boast rich biodiversity, being home to thousands of plant, animal and bird species. During September we will see beautiful new blooms springing up and it will be great for the public to see. ‘We cannot thank our visitors enough for supporting our nature reserves throughout the year because through their entry tariffs, where applicable, they are contributing to the conservation and sustainability of our natural assets,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Transport and Urban Development, Councillor Brett Herron. For more information on the City’s nature reserves, residents should please visit www.capetown.gov.za/naturereserves. Visitors are encouraged to call their local nature reserves directly for specific dates of festivities and guided walks – some of which are being finalised. The list of upcoming events thus far is as follows: The walks are free, however, entry tariffs are charged at some of the nature reserves. Visitors should always wear sunscreen and bring drinking water along. It is advisable to wear comfortable clothes, a sunhat and good hiking shoes or boots when doing the walks. Nature Event Date Information/contact reserve Flower Late Stacy-Anne Michaels: walks Edith August to and Stephens 021 444 6479 or early heritage Nature [email protected] Septemb program Reserve a mes er

Spring walk: Date to be Spring Walk: confirme d for [email protected] Spring Septemb ov.za or 021 444 8971 walk and Tygerberg er

Nature full moon stargazin Reserve Full moon and stargazing: Full moon g Contact Lizelle van der Merwe on 083 and 300 5146 for more information stargazin including cost g: 6 Septemb er

10 Spring Botterblo Septemb walks m er Lamees Chikte: 2 Spring 021 979 0060 or Uitkamp Septemb walks .naturereserve@capetown. er gov.za Spring Durbanvill 14 walks e October

Table Bay Walks will begin at 10:00 each day Nature 11 to 17 and last approximately two hours. Annual Reserve Septemb Participants will be guided through the Spring er entire reserve, including the restricted Flower at the access Southern Area as well as the Walks (full Rehabilitation Area, which is an Racecour week) exciting project that is under way at se the reserve

Contact Kyran Wright: Please RSVP asap with the site manager at [email protected] to book your spot. Entry is free but spaces are limited. Children are welcome, however no pets allowed

Table Bay 6 and 20 Annual Nature Septemb Spring Reserve er Hester Pentz at Flower at the [email protected] Walks Coastal (starts at Section 14:00)

The Bracken Nature Reserve in partnership with the Friends of Bracken Nature Reserve will host their event The from 09:00 to 14:00. Activities include a spring walk among the Cape daisies, Annual Bracken 16 an exhibition of tarantulas, snakes and Spring Nature Septemb Event Reserve er other creepy crawlies, as well as the firing of a cannon and a lucky draw. Entry is free. Refreshments will be on sale (cash only). Contact Corne on 021 988 2822 to book a stall for R200 to sell beverages, food or crafts The walk is from 09:00 to12:00. Contact David Morris: Haasend 1 to 29 David. Morris @capetown.gov.za or Spring al Nature Septemb 021 444 7545 to book your spot. walks Reserve er Entry is free but spaces are limited. Children are welcome, however no pets allowed