Wetlands in the Chartwell Conservancy: A haven for biodiversity
There are two officially recognised wetlands in the Chartwell Conservancy, both of which drain into the Klein Jukskei River.
The southern wetland runs between Second and Third Road, from an area adjacent to Cedar Road. The head of the southern wetland is situated on Holdings 115, 116 and 117 of Chartwell Agricultural Holdings. However, structures built on these properties in the last 10 years as well as the construction of a section of Third Road through the wetland has modified the wetland at these sites. From here, the wetland follows the topography of the area in a westerly direction for approximately 1.7 km, where it joins with the Klein Jukskei river.
The northern wetland runs between Fourth and Fifth Roads, and arises just east of Romney Road. These two wetlands were delineated in 2013.
These wetlands are an important part of the local ecosystem, providing a habitat for a wide variety of plant and animal species. Despite their importance, wetlands are often overlooked and undervalued, and are frequently lost to development and agriculture. The Chartwell Conservancy has consistently worked to preserve and protect these valuable ecosystems. In 2017, Gautrans widened Cedar Road and provision had to be made for the run-off of stormwater resulting from this.
There are two officially recognised wetlands in the Chartwell Conservancy, both of which drain into the Klein Jukskei River.
The southern wetland runs between Second and Third Road, from an area adjacent to Cedar Road. The head of the southern wetland is situated on Holdings 115, 116 and 117 of Chartwell Agricultural Holdings. However, structures built on these properties in the last 10 years as well as the construction of a section of Third Road through the wetland has modified the wetland at these sites. From here, the wetland follows the topography of the area in a westerly direction for approximately 1.7 km, where it joins with the Klein Jukskei river.
The northern wetland runs between Fourth and Fifth Roads, and arises just east of Romney Road. These two wetlands were delineated in 2013.
These wetlands are an important part of the local ecosystem, providing a habitat for a wide variety of plant and animal species. Despite their importance, wetlands are often overlooked and undervalued, and are frequently lost to development and agriculture. The Chartwell Conservancy has consistently worked to preserve and protect these valuable ecosystems. In 2017, Gautrans widened Cedar Road and provision had to be made for the run-off of stormwater resulting from this.
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The wetlands are also home to a variety of animals such as frogs, terrapins, water monitors, African scrub hares, porcupines, hedgehogs, mongoose, and a variety of snakes. From time to time, there have also been jackals and genets in the wetlands.
An EIA was conducted to permit for the stormwater from the Cedar Road upgrade, and more recently from the Summercon development on Cedar Road, to be diverted into the wetland. A budget was allocated, to design and construct a series of gabions and to increase the capacity of the existing dam in the wetlands to create an attenuation dam, to address the runoff of stormwater. This work has effectively channelled stormwater into the wetland.
Wetlands are unique in that they are areas where land and water meet, creating an environment that is constantly changing. They can be shallow or deep, permanent or seasonal, and are often home to a rich variety of plant and animal life. Wetlands are also excellent filters, purifying water before it flows into local streams and rivers. They also provide flood control, preventing downstream flooding by storing excess water during heavy rainfalls.
The wetlands of the Chartwell Conservancy are home to numerous species of plants. These plants thrive in the low-oxygen environments found in wetlands, and they provide food and shelter for a wide range of animal species. The wetlands are also a breeding ground for several species of birds. The wetlands are also home to a variety of animals such as frogs, terrapins, water monitors, African scrub hares, porcupines, hedgehogs, mongoose, and a variety of snakes. From time to time, there have also been jackals and genets in the wetlands.
Chartwell Conservancy is working to protect these wetlands by encouraging landowners to implement conservation measures on their property, and educating the public about the importance of wetlands.
The wetlands of the Chartwell Conservancy are a testament to the resilience of nature, and a reminder of the importance of preserving and protecting our natural resources. Wetlands provide critical habitat for a variety of species, help to filter and purify water, and provide valuable flood control.
Wetlands are unique in that they are areas where land and water meet, creating an environment that is constantly changing. They can be shallow or deep, permanent or seasonal, and are often home to a rich variety of plant and animal life. Wetlands are also excellent filters, purifying water before it flows into local streams and rivers. They also provide flood control, preventing downstream flooding by storing excess water during heavy rainfalls.
The wetlands of the Chartwell Conservancy are home to numerous species of plants. These plants thrive in the low-oxygen environments found in wetlands, and they provide food and shelter for a wide range of animal species. The wetlands are also a breeding ground for several species of birds. The wetlands are also home to a variety of animals such as frogs, terrapins, water monitors, African scrub hares, porcupines, hedgehogs, mongoose, and a variety of snakes. From time to time, there have also been jackals and genets in the wetlands.
Chartwell Conservancy is working to protect these wetlands by encouraging landowners to implement conservation measures on their property, and educating the public about the importance of wetlands.
The wetlands of the Chartwell Conservancy are a testament to the resilience of nature, and a reminder of the importance of preserving and protecting our natural resources. Wetlands provide critical habitat for a variety of species, help to filter and purify water, and provide valuable flood control.