Phase 2 of Muizenberg Park project gets the nod

THE Friends of Muizenberg Park have announced the start of Phase 2 of their wetland and stream restoration project.

- ERIN CARELSE

Building on the success of the first phase in 2023, the group is working to further revive one of the Cape Peninsula’s most ecologically rich public green spaces.

This phase focuses on reintroducing critically endangered Cape Lowland Freshwater Wetland Fynbos, a rare vegetation type that once thrived in the area.

According to the Friends of Muizenberg Park, its return will support a wide variety of plant and animal species found nowhere else in the world.

"Restoring Cape Lowland Freshwater Wetland Fynbos in Muizenberg Park is an important contribution to preserving the unique biodiversity of the Cape Peninsula," said Terri De Sousa, chairperson of the Friends of Muizenberg Park.

"This vegetation enhances habitat quality for frogs, birds, and pollinators, strengthens ecological resilience, and improves natural water filtration."

The group reports that two highly threatened plant species have already been reintroduced, along with another that serves as the sole food source for a vulnerable butterfly species.