Kikuyu Encroachment into the Nature Reserve
Kikuyu Encroachment into the Nature Reserve |
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| The encroachment of Kikuyu grass, Pennisetum clandestinum, into the nature reserve is a matter of considerable concern to environmentalists. Kikuyu is highly invasive and will only increase pressure on the several endangered plant species in the reserve. | |
| Below is information dated 26 March 2009 sent to all residential precincts bordering the Milnerton Racecourse Section of the Table Bay Nature Reserve. |
Control of Kikuyu grass. |
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| With regards to the encroachment of Kikuyu Grass into the Nature Reserve the following points need to be raised: | ||||||||||||||
| • | An objective of the Nature Reserve Management Plan is to remove alien species and promote indigenous species. | |||||||||||||
| • | Landscaping requirements were set for all developments abutting the Nature Reserve that aligned to this vision. Only indigenous plant material was permitted to be used in the landscaping of any of these developments. In the case of Sandown Crescent, only plant material collected from within the Nature Reserve was permitted for use within the development because of its location between the northern & southern portions of the Nature Reserve, and the fact that permeable fencing was utilised on the perimeters. | |||||||||||||
| • | Maintenance of landscaped areas MUST include the removal of all alien plant species, to ensure that no escapes into the Nature Reserve occur. | |||||||||||||
| • | The control of Kikuyu grass is indeed a difficult task and regular maintenance will be necessary to effectively control the issue. The following outlines possible control methods: | |||||||||||||
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