Blaauwberg Nature Reserve | Blaauwberg -natuurreservaat | ULondolozo lweNdalo Blaauwberg

ENERGY, ENVIRONMENT & SPATIAL PLANNING ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT BRANCH

Jacques Küyler Biodiversity Area Co-ordinator Tel: 021 444 0454 Email: [email protected]

BLAAUWBERG NATURE RESERVE QUARTERLY REPORT 1 OCTOBER 2016 – 31 DECEMBER 2016

Table of Contents Page 1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...... 2 2. HIGHLIGHTS & CHALLENGES ...... 2 3. CONSERVATION PLANNING ...... 5 4. FLORA ...... 5 5. INVASIVE SPECIES MANAGEMENT ...... 9 6. FAUNA ...... 11 7. SOIL ...... 15 8. WATER ...... 15 9. FIRE ...... 17 10. PEOPLE, TOURISM & EDUCATION ...... 17 11. STAFF MATTERS ...... 23 12. LAW ENFORCEMENT ...... 27 13. INFRASTRUCTURE & EQUIPMENT ...... 30 14. FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT ...... 30 15. MEDIA RELEASES ...... 31

QUARTERLY REPORT 1 OCTOBER 2016 – 31 DECEMBER 2016 Page 1

Blaauwberg Nature Reserve | Blaauwberg -natuurreservaat | ULondolozo lweNdalo Blaauwberg

1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This quarterly report summarises the activities of the Blaauwberg Nature Reserve (BBNR) including the Atlantic Beach Golf Course Conservation Area (ABGCCA) for the period from 1 October 2016 to 31 December 2016. The Environmental Education Trust (CTEET), in partnership with the , Environmental Resource Management Department and the Atlantic Beach Golf Course PTY Ltd, appointed Louis Van Wyk to fill a three-year contract position of Site Manager for the Blaauwberg Nature Reserve: Atlantic Beach Section. Reporting to the Biodiversity Management Branch, Louis will be required to manage the Blaauwberg Nature Reserve: Atlantic Beach Section including the 20ha Atlantic Beach Golf Course Conservation Area in liaison with the Environmental Liaison Committee (ELC), and focusing on the biological integrity and connectivity of the conservation areas west of the R27 down to the coast. This report is designed to meet the basic internal reporting requirements, while at the same time being written in such a way that stakeholders and role-players can refer to it for information purposes. The more detailed reporting data and statistics are collated in separate spread sheets that are not part of this report.

Wishing all our stakeholders, partners and friends a Merry Christmas and a very happy and prosperous New Year!

Vision of the Blaauwberg Nature Reserve: To conserve, protect and enhance the unique diversity of natural, historical and cultural resources of this area for the sustainable enjoyment and development of present and future generations through education.

Mission of the Blaauwberg Nature Reserve: Through judicious land acquisition and the development of economically viable conservation and education-related facilities and activities, we aim to secure the protection of the entire area and ensure its long-term sustainability based on sound ecological and cultural values.

2. HIGHLIGHTS & CHALLENGES 2.1 Highlights: 2.1.1 The Biodiversity Management branch arranges an annual staff recognition and team-building day to facilitate interaction and boost staff morale and productivity. Various awards are handed out at the event and this has become a motivator for staff throughout the year and a highlight of the day. On 11 November 2016, the branch headed off to Harmony Park Resort for a fun-filled marine themed day. Activities included building sandcastles, limbo, kite making and flying, volley ball and sand hopscotch. Staff were treated to a lovely snoek braai for lunch and then “The Whale Show” by Jungle Theatre.

Awards handed out included:

 MOST OUTSTANDING STAFF MEMBERS: Frederick Pedro, Johnathan Fischer, Koos Retief and Landi Louw  RESERVE OF THE YEAR: Blaauwberg Nature Reserve  HIGHLY RECOMMENDED TEAM AND PROJECT:  CTEET Head Office Team (Intern project), CTEET Gantouw Project, People and Conservation Team,