A Bergvliet scout spent six wintry weekends removing ivy, litter, builders’ rubble and weeds along the riverbank at the entrance to Doordrift Walk.
Armed with a pick-axe, fork and brute strength, Joshua Vincent got friends to join him as part of his Springbok Community Service Project.
The 2nd Bergvliet Sea Scout, who attends Wynberg Boys’ High School, said the plan was sparked last year after he and other scouts and cubs did a big clean-up along the greenbelt that runs between Doordrift Road and the Constantia exit from the M3.
Joshua then helped with a fynbos-restoration project on a small island along the river. This led to him wanting to do more, and in May, he created a plan and coordinated the restoration at the entrance to the greenbelt on the west bank.
Visiting the site with two of his helpers, Joshua said it did not go according to plan. As soon as they started digging, they found empty liquor bottles and lots of plastic and rubble.
“And English ivy was strangling trees, and nasturtiums had completely smothered all other plants allowing no chance for indigenous species to grow,” said Joshua.
In the end, it took 48 hours over six days, with Caitlin von Witt of FynbosLIFE and Fay Howa and Julia Wood of the City’s recreation and parks and biodiversity management branches offering support and plants.
“Luckily it started raining as soon as we’d finished planting,” said Joshua.
Ms Howa said they had been inspired by Joshua’s restoration project and had supplied 200 suitable plants.
“Re-introducing plant species that belong in the area will encourage the animal and birdlife, and restore the health of the river system,” she said.
Judy Willemse, the troop scouter at 2nd Bergvliet Sea Scouts, thanked everyone who helped with the project. “The scouts and students have learned so much and a seed of future projects has been sown.”
John Madden, a Friends of Constantia Valley Greenbelts committee member, said they welcomed the efforts of both scouts and residents in establishing a more environmentally balanced, safer and attractive Doordrift greenbelt trail for all users.
“This more isolated section of the greenbelt network faces unique challenges and we hope that together we can build on the momentum in partnership with the City of Cape Town.”
Joshua thanked the community and everyone else who had supported his project.
The ward councillor, Eddie Andrews, who helped one Saturday, said: “It was a challenge to take on a project like this and we encourage others to take pride in their areas and remove irresponsibly disposed waste.”
