Springside Nature Reserve

The Springside Nature Reserve, proclaimed in 1948, is situated in Hillcrest, KwaZulu-Natal. It conserves 21 ha of forest, grassland and wetland, and is managed by the eThekwini municipality and Hillcrest Conservancy. It was developed jointly by the Wildlife Society and the Hillcrest town board.[1]

Springside Nature Reserve
View on the grassland and stream vegetation
Map showing the location of Springside Nature Reserve
Map showing the location of Springside Nature Reserve
Location on a map of KwaZulu-Natal
LocationKwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Nearest cityPinetown
Coordinates29°46′44″S 30°46′19″E
Established1948

Fauna and flora

Some 150 species of bird have been recorded,[2] including Forest weaver[1] and visiting Crowned eagles. Plants include Tree ferns, Waterberry and Wild pomegranate. The reserve is relatively free of exotics, and a planned burning regime was implemented, which results in vigorous blooming of grassland flora when spring rains commence.

Access and facilities

The entrance gate is opened at 7:30 am and closed at 4:00 pm. There are picnic and braai facilities, but no accommodation, and the resource centre can be booked for small meetings. A visitor can go on self-guided walks,[1] or take part in organised wild flower (October, after burns) or monthly bird watching walks, which start at 7:30 am (summer) or 8:30 am (winter), on the second Wednesday of a month.

References
  1. Stuart, Chris & Tilde (1989). Guide to Southern African Game & Nature Reserves. Cape Town: Struik. p. 134. ISBN 0-86977-772-6.
  2. "Springside Nature Reserve". Birds in Reserves Project. Animal Demography Unit. Retrieved 24 July 2014.

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