Clovelly Wetlands Multi
Note: the coordinates given are for the Parking/Trailhead and not the final location!
An enjoyable, educational, family & wheelchair-friendly* short walk around these wetlands set in a small rehabilitated floodplain nature reserve (also known as Lower Silvermine River or Wetlands Reserve) between Clovelly and Fish Hoek which (apparently) has a self guided Blind Trail and is a Cape Town Tourism Designated destination.
*unfortunately the actual cache location is not wheelchair accessible – so help would be needed there…
It is an important ecological area providing vital protected habitat for numerous species of birds, mammals, plants, reptiles & insects. It has several ponds (some overgrown by bulrushes) and a 1.8 km gravel path with boardwalks, bridges and stepping stones around the perimeter and crossing through the wetlands.
The reserve protects a section of Hangklip Sand Fynbos as well as the indigenous Cape wetlands of the Silvermine River. It was rehabilitated due to local flooding problems, and the original indigenous species are being reintroduced, replacing the problematic alien vegetation that is gradually being cleared.
Silvermine River Wetlands Route is a notable bird watching location with over 50 bird species recorded, though some are no longer seen - see the list here.
It is also a breeding ground for many amphibians, including the endangered endangered Western Leopard Toad, Arum Lily Frog, Cape River Frog and Clicking Stream Frog. Other species such as the Cape Platanna unfortunately seem now to be locally extinct.
There are several small mammal species here too, such as porcupine, cape clawless otter, grysbock and mongoose.
Alien vegetation is still a threat, as is the excessive proliferation of the indigenous Bulrush (Typha) which is caused by unnatural quantities of minerals and nutrients being washed into the wetland from urban storm water – and periodic failures of the sewerage pumping system.
For an interesting and detailed history of the wetlands see here. See also here for more details of the wetland flora & fauna & facilities.
Recently (March 2012) the arrival of a Little Crake at the wetlands was the cause of huge excitement as it was the first sighting of this bird in Africa south of the equator. Birders (‘twitchers’) from as far away as Durban & Johannesberg flew in to see this little brown wader! At one time more than 50 birders were present at the 2nd gabion pool – many equipped with some very impressive lenses - to watch and photograph the bird, which was entirely focused on feeding & not disturbed by all the frantic activity. See here and here for this story and some great shots of the bird.
Enjoy your exploration of the wetlands!
If you see any interesting creatures during your walk, it would be nice to mention this in your log...
To Find the Cache:
Park @ the trailhead near S34 7.883 E18 26.233
Step 1: At S34 07.841 E18 26.150 is a sign with information on birds which may be seen in this wetland. The number of types of heron shown on this sign = A.
Step 2: Proceed to S34 7.82(A+1) E18 26.07(A+4) where you will find another sign – this one giving information about a fascinating mammal which you might spot in the wetlands. The last digit of the contact number you should call if you see one of these creatures = B.
Interesting fact: collective nouns for these creatures are bevy, family, lodge or romp
Step 3: Onwards to S34 7.8(A+3)(B-1) E18 26.0(A+1)(B+4) and another signboard – this one about 'Flowers you may see from July - September'. One of these is known as 'Soldier in a box'. The alphanumeric value of the first letter of the first latin name of this plant = C
Note (15/7/14): step clue reported missing - use a value of C = 1
Step 4: Continue to S34 7.79(C+3) E18 25.9(B+4)(C+5) where you will find a bench. The alphanumeric value of the 1st letter of the unusual last name of the person remembered here = D
Step 5: Carry on to S34 7.(9-A)(9-B)(6-C) E18 25.(Dx3)(D+2)D where you will see E2 stepping stones crossing the top of the 2nd gabion pond – where the famous Little Crake was sighted
Step 6: Now on to S34 7.7(A+C+2)(E+1) E18 25.9CE where you will find a sign with items and information of General Interest. The length of the snake found in this area which eats rats can reach Fm
Step 7: Continue your stroll west and then north crossing over the wetlands to S34 7.70F E18 25.8(F+2)(E-6). The number of pairs of poles supporting the boardwalk between the end of the bridge and the start of the side boardwalk heading back east = G
Step 8: On to the last step @ S34 7.7B(G-3) E18 25.9C(G-5) – another resting place – the alphanumeric value of the first letter of the name of Eddie’s partner = H
The cache, a small cylindrical camo-container can be found at:
S 34 07.(B+G)(F+2)E E 18 25.(A+B+D+2)(E-C)(H-B)
As this is a popular muggle zone, you will need carefully to choose when to locate, retrieve and correctly replace the cache.
