Herschel Team hits the aliens and litter

 Post by Mea Lashbrooke (WESSA)

Despite the slight but chilly wind that accompanied 25 parents and learners from Herschel Girls Preparatory School Eco Club during an outing to Princess Vlei on this year’s first Saturday in Spring, activities ensured all participants were warm.
     After an introduction from WESSA Western Cape Membership who had co-ordinated the event with Margot Roebert, Herschel teacher and Eco Club manager, there was a short explanation by Bridget Pitt and Denisha Anand  – representatives of Princess Vlei Forum and dedicated stewards of the Vlei. They spoke about:

• the history of the area–Khoe occupation, the legend of the princess whose tears created the Vlei, neglect by succeeding governments and the seven-year Save the Vlei campaign, which ensured that the shores would never be the site of a once proposed shopping mall
• the current restoration programme of the indigenous Cape Flats Fynbos–largely undertaken by school work-parties who also benefit from knowledge of bird life and bio-diversity as well as engage in art and drama projects at the Vlei, events run by Denisha and Bridget throughout the year. 

     Soon the group set to work collecting litter (wind in the area ensures litter arrives from elsewhere, as well as from visitors to the Vlei who enjoy the recreational facilities on offer. It is also washed down the canal that feeds the vlei), planting a hundred-and-twenty Pelargonium Capitatum, a hardy dune strandveld species.  The recent rains softened the soil, making this task  easy even for little hands.  After the planting, the team pulled out  several hundred square metres of blue lupins with great enthusiams. These invaders spread rapidly, displacing indigenous plants.
     This proved a  rewarding morning for all. And some families remained to picnic at the tables provided at the Princess Vlei braai area.   
      It was clear that learners and parents all had a good time. Several announced it was their first, but not their last, visit to the Vlei. Some even said they hadn’t known of the existence of the Vlei … and there it is set right on Prince George Drive, a few minutes from Muizenberg beaches in one direction and in the other a stone’s throw from Main Road Diep River, Kenilworth Centre and Cavendish Square, with the best views on the Peninsula of the Table Mountain range, most especially Constantiaberg.