The following extract is from recent items published in the Hout Bay press.

On Saturday the 8th May the Trust hosted the first of what are likely to be many River Walks along the Hout Bay River. The recent formation of the Hout Bay River Catchment Forum has focussed interest on a valuable untapped resource, possibly one of the community's most valuable assets.

Members of the Trust and guests assembled at the Princess Bridge at 09:30 and lead by Dave Cowley, the Trust's Chairman, they explored some of the development and re-habilitation possibilities that could be considered for the lower part of the River which could not only benefit the community but also visitors and tourists.

The focus of the first part of the development will be the West bank area between Princess Bridge and the lagoon and it is envisaged that paths will be created for residents and tourists to enjoy a scenic walk to the beach, which was hitherto difficult and possibly even dangerous. It is likely that a major effort will take place to remove the alien vegetation and plant indigenous species some of which still remain even after years of neglect and alien intrusion. The walkers were pleased to see chasmanthe bulbs bursting with growth in a few places and some were already in flower they also identified some Milkwoods and a number of Wild Olives of considerable age.

The future challenge will be the restoration of the wetlands above the Bridge where perhaps one day we could have a restored wetland that could support waterfowl and a diversity of animal life.

The party retraced their steps and walked along the west bank man made berm above and to the left where they viewed the expanse of phragmites (indigenous tall grass) which has established itself where the vlei has gradually been drained. The vast area , below the 50 yr floodline, could be incorporated into the rehabilitation project in the long term, provided the community fully supports such an initiative.

The recent article in the Sentinel (May99) which explains the renewed interest in the preservation of wetlands as international "birding" destinations by the tourism authorities, underscores the importance of our the Hout Bay River wetland and its potential as a tourism drawcard. Ironically Stranfontein Sewage Works on the False Bay coast , is one of the best birding destinations in the country, at certain times of the year it has been known to boast as many 100 different species!

Hout Bay has much more to offer in other ways but a sustainable natural waterfowl sanctuary to compliment Hout Bay's "Word of Birds" would be an enormous attraction and could happen provided we can improve the flow of water and reduce the flow of concrete into our valley!