Nature's Valley Monitor

Reminder about your invitation from Robert Kleyn

2012-01-02T12:21:00.001+02:00

This is a reminder that on December 19, Robert Kleyn sent you an invitation to become part of their professional network at LinkedIn.

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> From: Robert Kleyn [app+4in1o32b6v.mt0r01.79c0f70257f012199d93384f317420a8@proxymail.facebook.com]

> Subject: Invitation to connect on LinkedIn

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Invitation to connect on LinkedIn

2011-12-19T14:36:00.001+02:00

From Robert Kleyn

Project Manager at Phoenix Projects

Knysna Area, South Africa

I'd like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn.

- Robert

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Invitation to connect on LinkedIn

2011-12-19T14:35:00.001+02:00

From Robert Kleyn

Project Manager at Phoenix Projects

Knysna Area, South Africa

I'd like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn.

- Robert

Confirm that you know Robert

You are receiving Invitation to Connect emails. Unsubscribe

New R15m sewer system

2011-12-10T17:54:00.001+02:00

It was published in The Herald on Friday the 9th December that Bitou is to build a R15m sewer system in Nature’s Valley.
This comes as a big surprise after years of study by local experts, controversy and in depth study and recommendation by Ninham Shand in 2006.
It would be interesting to find out exactly what Bitou propose to do and when.

How to Baboon proof houses

2011-12-06T18:18:00.003+02:00

Polycarbonate baboon proofing supplied by Phoenix Projects

We have been giving reports on Baboon management but we would like to start giving some practical advice on how to baboon proof your house. Our first tip would be to install transparent Polycarbonate baboon proofing over window openings.
Not only does this prevent baboons and monkeys from getting into your house but it prevents burglars from stealing a lot more than just food. The system is see through and aesthetically pleasing.

> More

Baboon proof houses

2011-11-05T06:07:00.003+02:00

Photo: Colleen Blaine

Baboons cause havoc and serious damage when they gain access to houses. I their quest to search out any food that the house may contain, they will throw out, dig out, overturn, rip open and break anything that may contain food. The stench in such a violated home is indescribable. The baboons defecate, to use a nice word, all over the place and no matter how you clean the stench will persist for weeks.
The answer to this problem is to “Baboon proof” your house allowing you to leave doors and windows open and keeping baboons and monkeys out. Maybe you should consider doing this before you come on leave.
Click on link for more. Try This

Trash and Baboons

2011-10-28T08:57:00.000+02:00

We have come a long way in combating the Baboon infestation that has plagued Nature’s Valley and has been the source of irritation for many a owner and visitors. Trying to live in harmony with nature and all its creatures does take some adjustment and sacrifice. Please watch this video and comment if you think you have thought of something we have missed.

Turning into a Hornets nest

2011-10-19T15:48:00.001+02:00

A Proverbial Hornets nest has been stirred up in Nature's Valley.As it is stated in a letter of compliant and we quote.

The township was designed for nearly exclusive residential use, with a specific character and uniqueness, even in global terms, as a small town within a nature reserve.This is also evident in the name of the town and the reason why owners have bought property in Nature’s Valley.

This extract from a letter that was written to the Government of the Western Cape to object to the Removal of restrictive conditions of Title. This matter does need attention and resolution as there seems to be different points of view.

For the complete letter click on the Read On button

Click on Post a Comment at bottom to leave a comment.

The Wittedrift church fete

2011-09-30T21:24:00.000+02:00

We had the great pleasure of spending this Friday afternoon at the Dutch reformed church fete at Wittedrif.
Excited children, eager supporters and a very interesting crowd all round. To experience the hospitality and friendly service of a community that is willing to serve.

Spring is in the air

2011-09-18T12:31:00.000+02:00

With the welcome rains the forest has recovered very well and the Clivias are in full bloom even the yellow ones are thriving.

Who said the fishing was poor

2011-06-25T11:21:00.000+02:00

This catch is realy something to smile about.
Vernon Peters the well known angler from Nature's Valley caucht this 15kg Steenbras off the beach at No2.

Water Restrictions?

2010-12-21T11:11:00.003+02:00

During last week there was approximately 100mm of rain in the Nature’s Valley area over a period of 5 days. Although putting a damper on holiday activities it brought welcome draught relief. The “Groot” River is flowing strongly into the sea, but water restrictions are still in place. These restrictions are now questioned by residents who want to know why there must be water restrictions when the river is flowing away into the sea?
The argument has been made that while the river is flowing into the sea no water restrictions should be imposed on Natures Valley.
There is a concern that the small dam that offered some storage was washed away during the last flood and was never repaired.
That means that if the river should stop flowing Natures Valley would have no water.

Groot river pass update

2010-08-03T22:25:00.002+02:00

The repairs to the Grootriver pass have taken its toll as illustrated by the picture.
Traffic to and from Nature's Valley has been disrupted for lengthy periods of time
but there is light at the end of the tunnel.
The following pass open and close dates have been given
to us by Brink & Heath(pass repair contractors).

Monday, 12 July 2010 - Wednesday, 18 August 2010
The westernapproach (Plett to Nature's Valley) is open to public traffic by means of STOP /
GO one lane traffic.The eastern approach (Nature's Valley to PE) is closed to public
traffic.
Wednesday 18 August 2010 - Monday 01 November 2010
The eastern approach(Nature's Valley to PE) will be open to public traffic. The western approach (Plett to Nature's Valley) will be closed to public traffic.
Monday, 01 November 2010
The western approach to Nature's Valley will be open to public traffic.

Under Siege

2010-04-23T17:01:00.006+02:00

During the last two months the perennial baboon problem in Nature's Valley has escalated into crisis proportions. Several houses have been trashed, gardens have been devastated and there are even reports of people being threatened. Since 2007 (and for that matter, long before) the NVRA has been working towards a long-term solution, but we have come to realise that there is no permanent solution, that the problem will keep on recurring seasonally and that we must develop strategies to live with these highly intelligent wild animals in a mutually acceptable way.
Contribution by: Ina Brand

See More

Nature's Valley Fire Protection

2010-03-19T05:40:00.002+02:00

Nature's Valley has its own fire protection service consisting of volunteers who will use the fire fighting equipment to combat fires and evacuate people while waiting for the main fire fighting units from Plettenberg Bay and the Crags.
As Nature's Valley is fairly isolated from the outside world, situated at the bottom of the Groot River pass with restricted road access.
It is the responsibility of the residents, in the event of a fire, to extinguish or retard such a fire until fire tenders from either the Crags or Plettenberg Bay can take over.
It is with this in mind that Nature’s Valley volunteer residents have formed a local fire fighting unit.
The prime objective being the safeguarding of life and secondly the extinguishing or containing of fire.
Effective communication and rapid response is a priority and the education of residents and visitors in fire prevention will be an ongoing task for this team.

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N2 Tollgates and Tariffs

2010-03-08T19:53:00.003+02:00

Two new tollgates have been built on the off ramps at the Nature’s Valley N2 turnoffs.
From the 1st of March to October 2010 Nature’s Valley residents as well as any other traffic to and from Nature’s Valley will be obliged to pay toll.
After an appeal by the NVRA to SANRAL a discount of 85% for category 1 vehicles was given to permanent residents of Nature’s Valley and Covie, who in future will only have to pay R5 instead of the R33.
It must be born in mind that all non resident visitors to Nature’s Valley using these toll gates will have to pay R33.
Contribution by: Engela Muller

The Threat of Fire

2010-02-13T07:47:00.005+02:00

During the past week Nature's Valley was surrounded by fire and preparations were made in the event that the valley had to be evacuated. The band of fire stretched for 56km and even engulfed Formosa peak. Fortunately through the valiant efforts by fire fighters and the 4mm of rain that fell the fire has been brought under control.

Photo's by Geoff McIllaron and Engela Muller

Tragedy in the Valley

2010-01-17T12:05:00.005+02:00

How to save lives?

Nature’s Valley was overcome with a tragedy this week when there was yet another loss of life due to drowning.

Two swimmers got into trouble near the mouth of the estuary and the valiant efforts of the life savers and a private helicopter one life was saved, unfortunately another was lost.

Can Nature’s Valley afford such losses?

Can further preventative measures be implemented to prevent the loss of precious lives?

One life lost is one life to many.

We would like to thank the following people for their assistance:

NSRI, Dr Jan-Dawid vd Vyfer (medical assistance) and Marius Venter (private helicopter)

What happens when the Groot river runs dry?

2010-01-04T15:34:00.003+02:00

We are in the throws of the most severe drought in 132 years and stringent water restrictions have been imposed. The use of hose pipes and the watering of gardens have been forbidden. The Groot river is not so big anymore and has been reduced to a mere trickle at 50liters per second.
What will Nature’s Valley do if that trickle should dry up?
Will we have to resort to the desalination of sea water?
Can we afford to wait for the drought to pass or take action now while the river is still supplying water?

Please click on the following link to read the Bitou water policy > Water Policy

Saving Lives

2009-06-06T18:37:00.002+02:00

Outlook for lifesavers

During the last big storm Nature’s Valley lost its glass fibre life savers hut and efforts are being made to replace the lifesavers hut with something a little more fitting to the environment.

The attached picture illustrates the proposal that has been put forward for approval.
If approved the deck and small hut will be erected on the dune adjacent to pathway No 4.

Waterworks repairs Not yet.

2009-05-26T17:05:00.004+02:00

Ensuring safe drinking water.

We reported a few weeks ago on the R1.2m that was secured by Bitou from central government for flood damage to the Nature’s Valley water purification plant.

We went and did some investigation and found that the plant was indeed in need of repair and that the ozone purification system is not functioning. Chlorine is currently being used to sterilize the water.

At a ward meeting held on the 25^th May Mr. Paul Zietsman the Nature’s Valley ward representative was assured by Bitou that the funds will be applied for the repair of the purification plant. It was emphasized by Mr. Zietsman that this is a matter of urgency and a speedy response was promised by Bitou.

Dogs and Deer

2009-05-18T11:51:00.009+02:00

(Photo by Engela Muller)

It is a privilege to live within a nature reserve and to live in harmony with fauna and flora.

Is this how Adam and Eve felt in the Garden of Eden?

It is surprising how the birds and animals get used to humans moving about and among them accepting humans as non threatening.

In the natural course of nature deer do become the supper of leopards, but here in the Valley they feel safe and tend to let their guard down.

Dogs unfortunately have a natural instinct as well and tend to stalk and chase deer and other animals and as such should be kept in check.

Check here for more

Nature's Valley Baboons

2009-04-21T07:48:00.006+02:00

Baboons & The Valley

Like humans, baboons are highly adaptive primates and have thus learnt to share their territory with us.
One way in which some have adapted is to take their food from human habitats. This practice has caused people to react in a number of ways and sometimes baboons are shot. Because it is most often the males that are targeted by humans, troop structures and relationships become volatile and genetic mixing and infanticide impact on dwindling baboon populations.
Both humans and baboons are negatively affected by the conflict resulting from unsuccessfully sharing a territory.
It is important that we find a means of harmonious co-existence. With tolerance and patience, residents can help to manage baboons by making their properties less attractive. Once Nature’s Valley becomes less inviting, the baboons should return to their natural habitat.

Get the full article

The Enemy within

2009-04-06T14:47:00.005+02:00

Unseen and silent some houses in Nature's Valley are being undermined by rot that attacks the foundation pillars of houses supported by timber columns.

The rot starts at the core and works its way up the centre of the column and gradually outward.
The columns look perfect on the outside but are "rotten to the core". This weakens the support for the house and will continue to do so until the house collapses.

This picture illustrates a typical rotting pattern.
All twenty columns of this house were rotten and the house started to collapse.
Fortunately it was caught in time and a catastrophe was averted.

If you have any doubt about the soundness of your house support columns or foundation, have it checked by an expert and prevent a potential catastrophe.

The Sound of Music

2009-04-04T06:06:00.003+02:00

The Natures Valley Music club is an institution that has been part of the cultural side of the Valley for many years.

The music club consisting of about 30 members gather on a monthly basis at a member’s house to enjoy a social get together and to listen to a program consisting of a CD compilation of the member’s favourite music.

It was a rather special get together on the 26th of March, at Dick & Marietjie Birkills house, where on this the 112th meeting of the club the local residents talent put on a live performance. The entire evening consisted of piano, violin and solo & choir song performances. The evening was put together by Marietjie Birkill with support from Geoff Smith and some local talent.

The Plant man

2009-03-28T05:53:00.005+02:00

Danie Muller(a permanent resident) has an interesting hobby. He manages a community nursery in the Nature’s Valley Phyl Martin Park, where he propagates and cultivates trees and proteaceae.

The proceeds from the sales of plants pay for the maintenance and labour to maintain the nursery.

His career in Forestry (1959 - 1992) left him with a wealth of knowledge which he is willing to share with us and which we’ll publish on a weekly basis on Natures-Valley.com (See link below)

http://www.natures-valley.com/Indigenous/Default.htm

Enjoy the Boardwalk

2009-03-20T09:18:00.004+02:00

The Boardwalk is restored! By Engela Muller

Good news! The Groot River Boardwalk which was built in 2005 by Sanparks and the Honorary Rangers but which was severely damaged by the flood at the end of 2007, has been rebuilt.

A wonderful forest experience

This trail offers a wonderful forest experience - in just a few minutes you stand among age old giants: Yellowwoods, Ironwoods, Saffrons and Assegaays. Enjoy the soft rustle of the wind in the forest canopy and the sounds of rare forest birds. The approximate 1 km circle route winds through the only place in South Africa where you'll find indigenous high forests tree on sea level - in contrast to low coastal bush everywhere else.

If you (or your guests) only have limited time, this is the ideal place to experience the indigenous forest at its best in only 15 minutes. This Boardwalk is suited for people who find it difficult to walk, wheelchairs and baby prams.

How to get there (1 km from Nature's Valley)

Go out at the Nature's Valley entrance, turn right in the direction of the Sanparks Camp. Only 500m after the Camp you'll cross the Groot River bridge and on the righthand side you can park at a picnic site. The Boardwalk starts and ends there.

Water Water - What will we do without?

2009-02-11T18:15:00.003+02:00

The Nature's Valley water purification plant is in serious need of refurbishment and Bitou has secured R1.2m for this purpose from central government as part of a disaster relief fund.

The refurbishment should start soon and it has been awaited for a number of years.

The residents and property owners of Nature's Valley thank Bitou for this endeavour

Bitou Geese and Golden eggs

2008-11-29T19:05:00.004+02:00

Nature’s Valley is situated in the Tsitsikamma national park and feels and looks like it belongs in a national park.
Being made the custodians of this wonder of the world to maintain and preserve for all to enjoy is not for the faint hearted.
Although all who visit Nature’s Valley will acknowledge its true uniqueness not all agree on maintaining the status quo.
Changing the character of this quaint village could be an irreversible and expensive exercise in both financial and ecological sense.
The Garden route is well known throughout the world for its rich fauna and flora and people flock from all over the world to come and see and experience nature in all its glory.
Mention the word Plettenberg bay and you will get an interested response from most people even most foreigners will respond with something like: “A ja Sous Africa; Garden route very nice ja!”
Tourists come to visit Nature’s Valley but spend their money in Plettenberg Bay.
Tourism is Bitou’s primary industry and contributes directly and indirectly for a substantial amount of money flowing into Bitou’s coffers.

(Extract from a presentation prepared for Bitou Munisipality)

The road less travelled

2008-11-25T10:20:00.006+02:00

After a long negotiation
(see http://www.natures-valley.com/Ward/Ward.htm)
Bitou municipality has started paving some of the gravel roads. The main roads being Forest, St George's, St Andrew's and St Michael's will remain tar with side roads being paved.
This is only a section of the 3 areas Bitou has started to recondition.

Over the dune to the sea

2008-11-24T19:33:00.000+02:00

Nature's Valley is separated from the sea by a large dune and can be reached via 8 paths over the dune from St Michael's Avenue which runs parallel to the dune and beach.
The dune area is managed by SAN-Parks and forms part of the De Vasselot nature reserve.
The video shows path number 5 to the sea.

The other side of the dune

2008-11-24T18:10:00.000+02:00