Biodiversity on the Braamfontein Spruit
Jozi Trails in partnership with Grassroots Urban Biodiversity Corridors
Birth of the project
Since its inception in 2017, Jozi Trails have focused on the health and well-being of the community, and building and maintaining trails along the beautiful Braamfontein Spruit. A decision was made in 2024 to expand this vision to include the rehabilitation of, and biodiversity within, the Spruit itself.
As a keen cyclist along the Spruit for over 30 years, Jaco Louw (Jozi Trails chairman and founder) observed an increase in invasive species along the trails and a loss of areas where endemic fauna and flora could thrive. Delta Park was chosen as pilot site for this project with a view to inviting other parks and green space partners to grow the vision. A small area on the Bantam Drive side of the park was mapped out for rehabilitation and development of natural grassland and wetland status.
A public plea for assistance on social media birthed a network of professional individuals and organisations who have offered invaluable contribution to this initiative, the most significant of these being Frances Taylor, whose work on creating biodiversity corridors has provided the scientific foundation for the project. Frances is a member of a collective of professionals who help members of the publc and organisations plan and impliment biodiversity work.
Before
Now
Join Jozi Trails for an unforgettable evening at Delta Café Craighall on Wednesday 13th November at 6PM!
Experience the thrill of connecting with fellow cycling enthusiasts over a coffee, beer, or or delicious dinner while hearing from the incredible Ryan Gibbons, a two-time South African Road and Time Trial Champion!
This is not just any gathering; it’s a chance to engage with a true champion and learn more about this year’s Tour de France, Pro cycling, Pro Tour’s and Pro Riders. Don’t miss the opportunity to hear firsthand about his journey and triumphs in the world of cycling!
Event Details:
- Date & Time: Wednesday, November 13th at 6PM
- Cost: Free entry, but limited spots available!
- Food & Drinks: On your own account
Donate on the day for a chance to WIN a signed and framed Ryan Gibbons’ Tour de France South African National Champs Jersey from stage 8 of this year’s Tour de France! This is a unique piece of memorabilia worn during one of cycling’s most prestigious events.
Mark your calendars and join us for an evening filled with inspiration, community, and the spirit of cycling!
Meet the athlete:
How long have you been cycling for: Nearly 20 years
Journey into Cycling: I began cycling in high school, initially focusing on mountain biking. At 17, I transitioned to road racing and never looked back. Since turning professional in 2016, I have competed in some of the most prestigious races in the world, including the monuments Milan-San Remo, Tour of Flanders, and Paris-Roubaix. Additionally, I have raced in all three grand tours: Giro d’Italia, Tour de France, and Vuelta a España.
Top Results in Cycling: I am a multiple South African Champion, African Continental Champion, and African Games Gold Medalist. Some of my notable victories include winning the Trofeo Calvia and both a stage and the overall classification of the Tour de Langkawi.
What does it mean to represent South Africa at the Olympic Games: Representing South Africa on the world stage is always a privilege and a humbling experience. Competing at the Olympic Games for the second time is incredibly rewarding, and having the support of an entire nation is something I will cherish forever.
Core Values and Objectives
- Empowerment: Equip citizens and schools with the knowledge and tools to participate in ecological restoration.
- Connection: Foster connections between citizens and local nature.
- Support: Assist local government efforts in building biodiversity corridors.
- Awareness: Raise awareness about local fauna and flora.
Target Audience
- Organisations and civic groups with active citizens interested in ecological restoration but lacking strategic direction.
- Individuals who have private gardens and parks designed with a focus on biodiversity.
- Corporates and local businesses who wish to showcase and drive their biodiversity responsibility
Framework Phases
Planning
- Establish partnerships with local biodiversity groups, government departments, schools and universities.
- Identify existing urban greening initiatives and high-priority intervention areas.
- Develop a Citizen Biodiversity Corridor Plan.
Design
- Create city-level corridor designs and garden typology designs where appropriate and funded.
- Ensure designs are accessible and understandable for local citizens.
- Include landscape design, recommended plant species, and phased planting recommendations.
Training
- Develop training programs to educate residents on ecological restoration.
- Offer various formats: workshops, short courses, online courses.
- Focus on practical steps for planning, developing, and maintaining gardens.
- By involving schools, offer learners the opportunity to use their Community Service hours to make a meaningful contribution to the communities in which they live
Citizen Activation
- Engage citizens through marketing campaigns and an online web portal.
- Develop a 3-year activation plan with timed campaigns around flagship species.
- Utilize social media and newsletters to communicate with local residents.
- Involve schools and learners through community service curriculum, developing education on biodiversity and responsibility.
Category 1B invasive species: Verbena
Category 1B invasive species: Pompoms
Category 1B invasive species: Pompoms
Category 1B invasive species: Verbena
Roles and Responsibilities
- Ignition Team: Plan and design the corridor strategy, train and activate local stakeholders.
- Host Organization: Provide coordination and guidance, act as a founding partner.
- Stakeholder Coalition: Engage local residents in urban greening, align with the strategic vision.
Opportunities for stakeholders
- Increasing biodiversity image within the industry or company
- Branding of Jozi Trails vehicles, trails, uniforms and marketing equipment (banners, flags etc)
- Sponsorship of trails per kilometre, park benches, public spaces
- Inclusion in Jozi Trails membership package – members may purchase an annual subscription which includes discount vouchers to local businesses
Time Estimates
- The initial planning phase has started and the concept document will be published in 2025.
- Removal of alien species is ongoing and the intensity in this respect has increased, with alien removal every Saturday in Delta Park.
Contact Information
Frances Taylor Ecologist – fr@ncestaylor.com
Jaco Louw Jozi Trails Chair – jaco@jozitrails.com
Sam Brown Jozi Trails liaison officer – sam@jozitrails.com
Endemic species to Delta Park
Endemic species to Delta Park
Endemic species to Delta Park
Endemic species to Delta Park
Updates on the progress
Jozi Trails Biodiversity Project – 19 November 2024
A fascinating sewing experience! Thanks to help and advice from our Dial-a-Boer, Thomas Heymans, we added cake flour to the seed mix (an endemic mix bought from Sakata called Highveld Grass Mix) so it was clear which areas had been seeded and [...]
Jozi Trails Biodiversity Project – 16 November 2024
Help from 2 and 4 legged volunteers to begin removing invasive aliens, pompoms and hyacinth. We managed to fill the whole Jozi Trails trailer with weeds. Hard work but we cleared a huge area!
Jozi Trails Biodiversity Project – 10 November 2024
A very wet delivery of compost and spreading took place today. This is local farm compost bought by the kind donations sent to Jozi Trails by caring members of the public. Thanks to our Jozi Trails maintenance team, the compost and the [...]
Jozi Trails Biodiversity Project – 7 November 2024
Ecological recycling at its best! This hyacinth was removed from the dams in Delta Park, left to dry and then spread over the rehabilitation site as both water retention and natural compost for the grasses we are trying to encourage to grow. [...]
Jozi Trails Biodiversity Project – 4 November 2024
Today, the removal of alien species was investigated as were the suitability of tools. Plenty of photos were taken to send to experts for advice on what to remove and how.
Jozi Trails is almost entirely supported by people like you. As a non-profit organization, we need your support to keep the trails free to use, well maintained – and amazing – for everyone.
Donate today use the Zapper South Africa & SnapScan QR codes in the picture below or donate via EFT using our banking details.
