As the dry season settles in, July has been a month of steady, impactful progress in the Sibaya Coastal Precinct and Forest. Our Cleaning, Greening, and Maintenance (CGM) teams, along with the Sibaya Conservation Trust, have remained hard at work ensuring that both public spaces and natural areas are maintained and protected.
Forest Clean-Up and Landscape Maintenance
Throughout July, a total of 268 bags of refuse were removed from the forest trails and common property across the precinct. This extensive clean-up effort included the pruning of overgrown trees, spraying aloes to prevent pest infestation, and general upkeep around key conservation areas.
Visitors may have noticed that the aloes across the precinct are currently in full bloom, adding a vibrant splash of colour to the winter landscape.
Our teams also focused on beach clean-ups, collecting litter and marine debris that threaten the natural habitat. Roadside vegetation was maintained with herbicide application on grasslands, helping to keep invasive growth under control.
Alien Invasive Removal and Snare Sweeps
A major focus this month was the clearing of 24 hectares of invasive alien vegetation in the forest and grassland zones. Five invasive species were successfully targeted, including the prolific Spanish Reed. These efforts are essential in maintaining the ecological integrity of the Coastal Forest.
In addition, snare sweeps were carried out across five hectares, with no snares found—a strong indicator of the ongoing success of our anti-poaching efforts.
Trail Signage and Forest Accessibility
The team also took time to clean all signage within the forest, ensuring clear, safe, and informative access for those walking the trails. With conservation areas seeing increased foot traffic, especially from nature enthusiasts and iNaturalist users, clear signage plays a vital role in managing responsible access.
iNaturalist Contributions Grow
The Sibaya Precinct’s iNaturalist citizen science project continues to flourish. In July alone, 22 new observations and 12 new species were logged by community members and forest visitors. This brings our running total to 1,203 observations and 529 identified species.
We encourage all residents and visitors to take part in this initiative. It’s a simple way to help track and understand the biodiversity that makes the Sibaya Coastal Forest so unique. View more here.
We’re thrilled to announce that our Spotted Eagle Owl has had 3 owlets. They have chosen our precinct as its nesting site for the third consecutive year! These majestic birds, known for their striking yellow eyes and powerful hoots, have returned to raise their chicks in the safety of our environment. Keep an eye out for these owls, particularly during the quieter hours of the day.
Preserving What Matters
Every tree pruned, every invasive plant removed, and every piece of litter collected is part of a larger story, one of conservation, collaboration and care. We thank our dedicated teams and community members who continue to support this ongoing work in sustaining one of the North Coast’s most ecologically rich environments.
