Get ready for another Open Studios Fish Hoek & Clovelly

Cape Town’s Deep South opens its doors this October as Open Studios Fish Hoek & Clovelly returns for its 2026 edition from Friday, 9 October to Sunday, 11 October. The self-guided art trail invites the public into the studios of 48 artists at 20 locations across Fish Hoek and Clovelly, offering a rare behind-the-scenes look at how local art is made.

Studios will be open free of charge on Saturday and Sunday from 10h00 to 16h00. A ticketed preview event will take place on Friday, 9 October, giving collectors and art lovers the opportunity to explore studios ahead of the free public days. Tickets for the preview are R150 per person. Proceeds from the preview will go to Project Flamingo, that supports breast cancer patients within the public health care system.

All aboard for flash mob Fish Hoek

Join the Open Studios TRAIN-ing session on 5 September, part of the build up to the main event in October.

Yda Walt and Toni Morkel are directing, producing, and making the magic happen! Come and experience a performance art activation while being part of the live audience on a train. All you need is a train ticket to ride. We’ll be leaving at 11h15 from Fish Hoek station. How will you find us? Don’t worry, we’ll be hard to miss!

Preview raising funds for Project Flamingo

Buy your R150 ticket for the preview from Quicket here

The opening function for the preview will take place at department store AP Jones on Fish Hoek Main Road at 09h30 on the Friday and guests will be treated to a bespoke installation and live performance. Once the preview day is over, the event heads into the weekend with two free days jam-packed with things to see, as well as the opportunity to acquire original artworks directly from the artists themselves.

This year’s line-up brings together returning favourites and a strong contingent of new artists. A map and route guide will help visitors plan their weekend along the trail. Full artist profiles, studio locations, and the route map will be available at www.openstudios.org.za

Open Studios Clovelly

Angie Buckland, 4 Clovelly Road, Clovelly

Kay Price Lindsay, 37 Clovelly Road, Clovelly

Sasha Scholtz and Marlize Keith, 64 Clovelly Road, Clovelly

Evan Oberholster + Leora Lewis, 90 Clovelly Road, Clovelly

Kyoko Kimura Morgan, 93 Clovelly Road, Clovelly

Sue Jowell + Akhona Mposelwa + Posent Ncube 33 Montrose Avenue, Clovelly

See Clovelly creatives open studios for the first time from last year’s open weekend.

Share

Loving library life

I’ve been spending a lot of time at Fish Hoek Library in the past couple of weeks. First, there was the excellent talk by memoir writer Barbara Townsend (you can catch up on my write-up of that event here Memoir of Missy B). And then the library organised a Women’s Day session with art teacher Roz.

Learn how to do mixed media, said the poster. I’m not sure what media we’re talking about but I want to learn. Roz is lovely and relaxed. There’s a good crowd, and we’re joined by a mom and her five daughters, ranging from 10-ish to teens. The library staff join in. There’s a light atmosphere in the room as we try drawing without looking at the paper we’re drawing on. Try it.

Then we do an ice-breaker with whoever is sitting next to us. Dawn and I draw each other. I’m doing your teeth says Dawn. I’m smiling too much. Need to hide my teeth.

I draw Dawn, getting the curve of her arm holding her pencil, I think. But where have I put her arm? After two minutes, Roz says “time’s up” and we show each other our portraits. The room erupts in laughter as we see ourselves. Excellent ice-breaker.

Notes

Rozlynn van Reenen teaches art in Fish Hoek at Mothership Studios, 16 Dunster Avenue. 084 780 4285. Find Roz on Instagram.

Find Friends of Fish Hoek Library and Fish Hoek Library on Facebook. Email fishhoek.library@capetown.gov.za. If you would like to join the Friends of Fish Hoek Library whatsapp goup, please contact Karen Gray Kilfoil 084 818 5273.

The library will be closed for a week for stocktaking, from Monday August 24 till Monday August 31.

To read the full story please see Draw without looking

Wild nature on our doorstep in Clovelly

Friends of Silvermine Nature Area wetland work party meet-ups, every quarter, on a slow Saturday morning, are a great way to spend time in wild nature and meet locals.

I’ve just come home after pulling up wild radish plants in the wetland and chatting with a couple of neighbours I don’t get to see very often. If you spot wild radish growing on verges or in the wetlands please pull them up. Wild Radish.

We walked and talked, and speculated on when the pedestrian bridge (that takes you from the Clovelly side of the river to the Fish Hoek side of the river) will be repaired or rebuilt. There are plans in the pipeline to give pedestrians a bridge, but when and how is still being sorted by the city. The good news is that it is going to happen.

The City of Cape Town issued a press release explaining the current situation. In essence, it says who is responsible for a new bridge. “A Project Working Group consisting of multi-departmental representatives from Energy, Water and Sanitation, and Urban Mobility has been formed to plan and execute work required to address the safety concerns as well as plan for a replacement of the bridge.” (Source: City of Cape Town)

Assessments are being done, plans are being made.

Calling all bird spotters in the Silvermine River wetland area

Do yourself a favour and head down to the wetland to see the first of a series of revamped interactive educational signs, at the stepping stones on the Clovelly side of the Silvermine River. Thanks to Bruce, Rosie, and Michelle for championing this project! And thanks to community members for allowing us to use their amazing photos! (thanks for the update Martin Scholtz, Friends of Silvermine Nature Area). Birders, share your photos of birds spotted in the wetlands on the Fosna WhatsApp group. (Source: Friends of Silvermine Nature Area)

The wetland area is a City of Cape Town Biodiversity Park that falls under the Department of Recreation & Parks.

Save the dates for slow stitching

Share

Climate chat: Hot stuff in Europe

It is truly terrifying to see how Europe is burning up. The heatwaves are moving eastwards while in the UK the fourth fifth heatwave of the summer of 2026 is looming. Laura Tobin, a presenter on Good Morning Britain, points out “It is a constant heatwave.” (By the time I publish this a sixth heatwave will be looming).

It’s difficult to keep up with the heatwave and raging fires in Europe. It doesn’t really affect me, so why bother about it?

If someone has a high temperature, what do you do? Wrap them in blankets, put a heater next to their bed, and refuse to give them liquids? No, you keep them cool and increase fluids to avoid dehydration.

The fossil fuel generation is still wedded to burning up the planet despite all the evidence showing it’s the stupidest plan ever. I am losing track of where the heatwaves are and which European countries are on fire. Tragic.

I lived in Castellon in Spain for about six months when I was a child. It’s near Valencia, the city that was destroyed in floods. Now rolling heatwaves and fires are the climate chaos culprits that makes homes unlivable and destroy the local economy. When we lived in Spain in 1975 I was struck by how dry and dusty everything was. We had been living in Canada with its forests, lakes, and greenness. Then back to England and its “green and pleasant land”. Spain was arid in comparison.

Now Canada is on high alert due to out-of-control fires that are burning up the flammable forests.

Let’s be ready for what’s coming our way down south this summer.

Subscribe now

I’ve lived in a lot of places, discovered green spaces, and found fellow greenies sharing our ecosystem. Sharing is caring, tribe. Corny, I know.

Currently living in Clovelly, Cape Town, within the Table Mountain National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Back in the car for another slow drive, this time to Scarborough with Misty Cliffs on the way. Lunch at Whole Earth Cafe was delicious, as it always is. After lunch, we walked to the beach and admired the signs - one from SANPARKS, the other from Scarborough Environmental Group.

Two videos, one slow day. Above, a clip from our drive to Scarborough and, below, a sweeping view of the beach. Bliss. (Okay, not professional videos but you get the idea.)

Share

Fynboslife news: Focus on extinct plants

𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝟐𝟎𝟎 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐠𝐨, 𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐚 𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐞 𝐅𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐬 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐞𝐱𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐭.

This illustration of 𝘌𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘢 𝘱𝘺𝘳𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘥𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘴 was published in The Botanical Magazine in 1797.
At the time, the plant still grew in seasonal wetlands and peaty hollows on the Cape Flats. Today, 𝘌𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘢 𝘱𝘺𝘳𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘥𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘴 var. 𝘱𝘺𝘳𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘥𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘴 is extinct.

The last known wild specimen was collected in 1907. Its habitat was gradually lost as wetlands were drained and the Cape Flats was transformed by urban and industrial development. No plants are known to survive in cultivation.

Historic botanical illustrations are often admired for their beauty, but they can also be important ecological records. In this case, the illustration shows us a plant that nobody alive today is likely to have seen growing in the wild.

It is also a reminder of how much has already been lost from the lowlands of the Cape Floristic Region. Many threatened Cape Flats plants now survive in only a handful of small, fragmented sites. Protecting these remaining areas matters if we do not want more species to be known only from herbarium specimens, written descriptions and historic illustrations. (Source: Fynboslife)

Follow Fynboslife on Instagram.

St James walkway to run as far as Clovelly corner

The City of Cape Town is taking the first step towards extending the popular St James coastal walkway, thanks to a generous donation from an anonymous Cape Town family. The long-term vision is to create a continuous walkway from Muizenberg’s Surfer’s Corner to Clovelly Corner, improving public access to one of the city’s most scenic stretches of coastline. The first phase will now move into environmental assessments, public participation, stakeholder engagement, and detailed design before construction can begin. (Source: City of Cape Town)

The view has changed since dune restoration planting started. See Vula Services in my newsletter Holding back the sands of time

Upcycled shepherd hut hug

How cute is this upcycled shepherd hut? It was on auction, and I’m wondering who bought it? I’d love to find out. See live auctions at Traders Auction.

Climate chat: Europe is ablaze

Scientists say climate breakdown is triggering more frequent and more extreme weather events, evaporating soils and waterways, fuelling wildfires, and leading to thousands of excess deaths. Europe is heating at about twice the global average.

The climate chaos in Europe with hundreds of thousands forced to evacuate their homes in Spain and France feels far away from us as we bask in the heat of what is supposed to be winter. Trees are getting new leaves, flowers are blooming, but it’s all too early for spring. We haven’t had much of our winter rainfall. Climate confusion makes it tricky to plan planting calendars that rely on the seasons following a predictable pattern.

But we can plan for excessive heat and fires in the coming months. We know how to fight fires. Let’s help the firefighters by fire-proofing our homes and properties. Clear alien growth, keep verges clear for fire trucks, keep gutters and drains clear of leaves. See Cape of Fires is ablaze again, We need to talk about trees and Cape fire season heats up

The May storms that felled trees all over the Cape reduced the fire load in many areas, particularly the Garden Route. In our suburb of Clovelly a number of old trees toppled in the May 11 storm, and the clear-up has been going on ever since. See Wintry wander.

Muizenberg upgrade and fish mosaics meet the sea

Muizenberg mosaic artist Sue Beattie is adding her artistic touch to the Muizenberg beachfront refurbishment project. See Sue Beattie on Instagram.

Slow reno snippet

I’ve lived in a lot of places, discovered green spaces, and found fellow greenies sharing our ecosystem. Sharing is caring, tribe. Corny, I know.

Currently living in Clovelly, Cape Town, within the Table Mountain National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Thrilled to see Cape Town illustrator Patrick Latimer has joined Substack. Follow him on . You’ll spot Latimer’s work in several newsletters, including Tea Under the Trees in Newlands and Kommetjie Life Embraces Natural Wonders.

Kitchen confidential

I made spanakopita (*frozen phyllo) in our new kitchen, and the family were at our place for lunch. Spot my “wonky” salad dressing bowl/jug made by Bonny. See Every Woman Needs a Shed for more on the wonky bowl story.

We recently bought salt and pepper grinders from Oryx Desert Salt. Have you noticed how many restaurants have Oryx Desert Salt on their tables? The grinders have a ceramic mechanism, not plastic, and you can get refills for both salt and pepper. No need to buy a new grinder every time you run out of salt and pepper. Check them out at Oryx Desert Salt.

• Just a reminder: there’s no money involved when I mention products in my newsletters. It’s just me, myself, and I spotlighting sustainable shopping ideas.

Dates to save

25 July: Splash at the vlei

September: Wild Weeds Workshop

Join local farmer Nomalanga Linda Ruiters and Nikki Brighton from KZN for an immersive workshop exploring the edible wild foods growing around us during Spring in Cape Town. See Nikki’s website for more Plant Abundance

Saturday 26 September, 14.00 till 15.30, R350 a ticket. 61 Loop Street, Cape Town. Contact Nomalanga for tickets 071 823 6458.

Share

OCTOBER: OPEN STUDIOS FISH HOEK & CLOVELLY

Save your weekend for 9 to 11 October 2026, when studios in Fish Hoek and Clovelly open their doors for the second Open Studios.

Open Studios Fish Hoek & Clovelly is back from Friday 9 to Sunday 11 October 2026.
Friday 9 October - Collectors’ Preview (tickets coming soon)
Sat 10 & Sun 11 October - Open weekend, free entry for all

Following a successful debut in 2025, Open Studios Fish Hoek & Clovelly returns from Friday 9 to Sunday 11 October 2026.

See my newsletter from last year’s Open Studios Artists Open Studios in a celebration of creativity.

Last year’s inaugural event saw local artists open their private studios to the public for the first time, giving visitors a rare look inside the working spaces behind the area’s growing creative community. This year, that community is expanding further, with 19 new artists joining the returning lineup.

• Friday 9 October, Collectors’ Preview

  Get first access before the crowds arrive. A ticketed preview day for collectors and art enthusiasts, with details on tickets and venue to follow.

• Saturday 10 to Sunday 11 October, Open Weekend

  The studios open to everyone, free of charge. Wander between working studios across Fish Hoek and Clovelly, meet the artists behind the work, and take a piece of it home. Follow @openstudiosfishhoekclovelly on Instagram.

The joy of life through the eyes of a child

If you haven’t found this father and son duo yet, please take a peek. “Raising the next David Attenborough.”

Climate chat

It’s easy to be lulled into complacency by the sunny skies and warm waters we’re experiencing in South Africa this winter. But when an event at London Climate Action Week is cancelled due to extreme heat, you have to wonder whether you’ve dropped into a scene from Don’t Look Up.

Vox Weather Girls inform us that we are already feeling the effects of the “super” El Nino that is cooking the northern hemisphere. We need to prepare for heatwaves, fires, and droughts that will exceed anything we’ve experienced so far.

Wetland wanderings

Barak Morgan from Clovelly takes photos of birds when he’s clearing alien plants in the wetland area between Fish Hoek and Clovelly.

I’ve lived in a lot of places, discovered green spaces, and found fellow greenies sharing our ecosystem. Sharing is caring, tribe. Corny, I know.

Currently living in Clovelly, Cape Town, within the Table Mountain National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

I heart vintage knit at Studio 82

I take another slow walk along Simon’s Town Main Road. It’s been a while. We’re looking for vintage door handles for our restored doors. Popped in to vintage clothing store Studio 82, next door to The Sweetest Thing, and found this gorgeous heart knit. Too small for me. I wonder who bought it?

A lot has changed since my previous Simon’s Town newsletter. Hangkas (where I bought our bathroom mirror) is gone. Jellyfish is now a vintage store crammed with covetable antiques.

My favourite clothing shop, Anemone, where a local makes lovely things, was closed, but I’ll be back. (Anemone is open from 10.30am to 3.30pm, Wednesdays through Sundays, so plan your slow visit accordingly.)

Fortunately, The Sweetest Thing Patisserie is still there, for the best little patisseries in the Deep South.

Share

Froyo with a Greek twist in Glencairn

I am a long-time fan of Greek yoghurt, specifically yoghurt and honey. I discovered this in Greece in 1986, when I was backpacking and hitchhiking around Europe with two friends.

We got off a ferry on the island of Siros at 2am, and slept outside a church in our sleeping bags. We breakfasted on Greek yoghurt and honey, sitting on the harbour wall as the village woke up.

We all know I don’t fly anymore, so I won’t be visiting Greece again, but I do love the little taste of Greece that’s just down the road from Clovelly.

Notos frozen yoghurt is tucked away under Summer House in Glencairn. Gorgeous decor (I have this thing about tiles), and delicious frozen yoghurt made with Greek yoghurt. The base frozen yoghurt is the same for all servings, with different topping options. I had a small cup with mango sauce. Highly recommended.

Sharing wetland wonder with friends

Clovelly resident Michelle Delport, who heads up the wetland committee at Friends of Silvermine Nature Area, writes: “It was fun showing a group visiting from Rwanda around the wetland this afternoon. They have spent the last few years restoring 500ha of wetland in Kigali, from highly degraded industrial and agricultural land into recreational and conservation spaces. They are visiting Cape Town to learn about different wetland management models to inform their work in Kigali.”

The wetland area is a City of Cape Town Biodiversity Park that falls under the Department of Recreation & Parks.

Slow reno progress

We have finished the garage/laundry. Now it’s time for the final part of our slow reno journey, where we convert the existing garage into our workspace. And the very important part where I get to choose tiles.

I’ve lived in a lot of places, discovered green spaces, and found fellow greenies sharing our ecosystem. Sharing is caring, tribe. Corny, I know.

Currently living in Clovelly, Cape Town, within the Table Mountain National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

A spontaneous brunch in Kalk Bay at Ohana becomes a spontaneous photo shoot of colourful coats. I swoon over the tufted coats in Catacombes and fall for the melton coats in Jane Valken’s Colours in the Sun. And the vintage tweed in Peasant Clothing will look fabulous on someone.

We have brunch at Ohana Cafe, and I indulge my love of street shopping in Kalk Bay.

Share

Topping up fynbos in the wetland area with Fosna friends

Friends of Silvermine Nature Area organised a small team to plant out 220 plants in the wetland.

The plants ranged from sedges, to geraniums, to vygies, and a myriad of other specially selected species. The focus area of the planting was on the Clovelly side, downstream of the stepping stones.

Thanks to Kim and Chris for transporting the plants to Clovelly this week, and to Michelle for organising the session! (thanks for the update Martin Scholtz, Friends of Silvermine Nature Area)

A look back at wetland restoration work

It’s been great to get involved with restoring the wetland area between Clovelly and Fish Hoek, now that the electricity department’s earthworks are finished. In 2025 Fay Howa, from the city’s Recreation and Parks Department, taught us which plants to propagate.

Three months later, on a grey Saturday morning, we met at the otter sculpture. I saw friends and neighbours that I hadn’t seen for a while, and we started planting out the propagated plants. The workshop was coordinated by Friends of Silvermine Nature Area, check them out here.

Dog walkers: Reminder of leash laws

If you’re walking your dog in the wetland area, just a gentle reminder that the wetland area is a designated Biodiversity Park managed by the city’s Recreation & Parks Department and an on-leash public space.

Taking your dog into public places

If you own a dog, it is your responsibility to make sure it is safe and well taken care of at all times. You are also responsible for making sure it is not a risk to others.

See more at Taking your dog into public places on the City of Cape Town website.

Our favourite dog illustrator is back

Cape Town illustrator Patrick Latimer is back with his Cape of Good Dogs drawings. “Egyptian geese and a goose bench in the Glencairn wetlands.” Follow him on Instagram. See Cape of Good Dogs book here.

Subscribe now

Quiet Wilderness at Noordhoek Art Point

Another impromptu visit, this time to Noordhoek Art Point gallery to see the Quiet Wilderness exhibition featuring local artists, “exploration of blues and greens”. See Noordhoek Art Point. On until 19 July.

Save the date for Montagu’s Herb Fest at the end of August

Share

Slow down for slow reno

Where are we with the slow reno? The new garage/laundry/workshop is nearly finished - hurrah! Time to move my desk so we can get the builders in to work on the last room in our project. Meanwhile, I’m newslettering every two weeks instead of weekly.

I’ve lived in a lot of places, discovered green spaces, and found fellow greenies sharing our ecosystem. Sharing is caring, tribe. Corny, I know.

Currently living in Clovelly, Cape Town, within the Table Mountain National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Neighbour Barak Morgan sends our group WhatsApp photos of Clovelly bird life: “On the left is a grass bird foraging on Trappieskop, and on the right a Southern Double Collared Sunbird on a blombos (Metalasia) in the wetlands in May.” Thank you, Barak.

Oceans alive: Helen Walne captures Time cover

The cover of the Oceans Issue of Time magazine featured an image by Glencairn photographer and writer Helen Walne.

On her Instagram account, Helen Walne writes: “Still processing this! One of my images is on the cover of TIME magazine for a story beautifully written by @tatjana_baleta about the extraordinary biodiversity of the Great African Seaforest and the work being done by @seachangeproject and others to bring it to the world’s attention so it gets the protection it deserves.”

Call to replace alien trees with indigenous roots on Garden Route

The Garden Route Botanical Garden reports: The (May 11) storm, unfortunately, took a heavy toll on our canopy, with 332 trees severely affected. Here is the breakdown of the impact:

• 222 Trees Completely Lost: 174 were directly uprooted by the fierce winds, and an additional 48 were so badly damaged that they safely had to be cut down.

• 110 Trees with Remaining Damage: These are currently being managed and cared for by our team.

A Lesson in Indigenous Resilience

While losing so many trees is heartbreaking, the aftermath has given us a fascinating look at nature’s design. Hundreds of our indigenous trees stood perfectly firm. Interestingly, two of the largest giants we lost were exotic to the region. Furthermore, the vast majority of the uprooted trees were fast-growing pioneer species like the Keurboom and Boekenhout. While beautiful, these species naturally have weaker root systems compared to slow-growing, deeply anchored climax species like our Yellowwoods and Stinkwoods, which remarkably survived the storm unscathed.

George Councillor Sean Snyman says: “I invite every resident, family, business, school, and organisation to become part of the Re-Tree George Initiative by sponsoring an indigenous tree that will be planted throughout our community. These trees are supplied through the Garden Route Botanical Garden, a registered non-profit organisation dedicated to preserving, protecting, and promoting the indigenous plant heritage of our region. All sponsorship funds go directly to the Botanical Gardens to support: Indigenous tree propagation, environmental preservation, local biodiversity protection, sustainable greening initiatives within George. Each sponsored tree will be planted in partnership with George Municipality Parks & Recreation, be geocoded for long-term tracking, carry the sponsor’s name, mark the date of the 2026 storm disaster as a legacy of restoration and resilience.”

See A wintry wander for more on Clovelly’s storm damage.

Appeal from City Parks & Recreation: Report overgrown or mature trees on public property

“As we prepare for the winter season, we are asking residents to assist us in identifying overgrown or mature trees located on public property that may pose a risk to electricity infrastructure during strong winds and storms. Each winter, overgrown branches coming into contact with power lines contribute to electricity interruptions across our area. By identifying these potential risks, we can provide proactive tree maintenance to help reduce avoidable outages. Your assistance will help us work together to keep our community safer, more resilient, and better prepared. Thank you for helping us protect our electricity network and strengthen our winter preparedness. This is only for tree trimming of branches that are impacting overhead power cables. (Source: City of Cape Town)

Log a C3 Service Request with City Parks & Recreation to trim trees here

Share

Have you heard about Wild Pantry?

Wild Pantry brings people’s stories and wisdom about indigenous foods from South Africa’s Cape Floristic Region to the screen. This is a trailer for our dream and an expression of development towards a series of six 52-minute episodes. This series is a flagship project within a broader landscape of fresh content, events, and other offerings. We’re currently raising funds and building an audience to support the platform and bring this vision to life. Partner with us, reach out to explore collaboration at hello@wildpantry.africa. (Source: Wild Pantry)

Trailer made with support from the National Film and Video Foundation.
Credits Presenters: Loubie Rusch, Gershan Lombard, Zolani Mahola
Producers / Co-Directors: Jemima Spring, Lara Taylor; Line Producer: Rae Human; Researcher / Community Rep: Denisha Anand; Assistant Director: Rudi Lippert; Cinematographer: Alfonzo Franke; Sound Recordist: Allistair Anderson; Stills Photographer: Natalie Sternberg; Illustrations & Animation: Sean & Angela McPherson (MacFabulous); Editors: Annamarie James, Jacqueline van Maygaarden, Lara Taylor; Music: Zolani Mahola, Gershan Lombard; Audio Mix: Craig Ormon

Great to see Branch Out Youth growth

Branch Out Youth had a very successful Geology outing recently. This is a great collaboration with SANPARKS Honorary Rangers.

Make the switch

I switched to Duck Duck Go to escape AI on Google. Easy peasy.

Slow Reno update (sort of)

Our wood-framed garage/laundry/workshop build is speeding along after an initial blip. We have walls, a roof, internal framing, and first wiring and plumbing fix. Cladding is up: pine on three sides, roofing sheets on the fourth (the ‘weather side’), and I’m planning the laundry space in our new ‘shed’.

I know it’s just a garage but the next stage is going to be the one to watch. Stay tuned.

In case you’re wondering what my Slow Reno reference is about, take a look at Slow Reno resumes when I did a recap of what we’ve done to our house in the past five and a half years. It’s been a room-by-room approach for many reasons.

Subscribe now

I’ve lived in many places, discovered green spaces, and found fellow greenies sharing our ecosystem. Sharing is caring, tribe. Corny, I know.

Currently living in Clovelly, Cape Town, within the Table Mountain National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

We went to Olympia Cafe in Kalk Bay for a friendly cup of coffee, and I spied the photo wall inside by artist Serai Dowling, a writer and civic ecologist based in Muizenberg, Cape Town.

“I have always loved the natural world. These images are a celebration of nature’s little creatures - the bees, plants and flowers that are so vibrantly alive all around us, even in urban areas. I hope The God of Small Things photo series inspires you to slow down, notice love and protect the creatures so worthy of our respect and awe,” writes Dowling.

Dowling is the author and photographer of A Guide to Tidal Pools of the Western Cape and A Guide to Wild Swimming in the Western Cape.

Wall of remembrance: Telling and remembering

The Olympia Gallery wall is curated by Traci Kwaai. “An exhibition focused on telling and remembering the erased stories of Kalk Bay’s indigenous fishing community,” says Kwaai @thefisherchild

The description alongside the exhibition says: “Traci Kwaai, a ninth-generation Fisher child, has been gathering stories and photographs for years from the Kalk Bay fishing communities, slowly recording the words and imagery, putting together a history that hasn't been told before. This intimate storytelling highlights the ongoing struggles faced by the community in the past and still very much today. The legacy of apartheid, forced removals, privileged conservation practices and dwindling ocean resources all play a role in this community.”

Find The Olympia Gallery wall, curated by Traci Kwaai, on Instagram.

Climate chat: South Africa abstains in vital vote

The UN’s International Court of Justice voted on the climate crisis, and the majority of participants (141 voters) agreed that drastic action is needed.

The 28 abstentions included South Africa, Sudan, Lesotho, Libya, Kuwait, Algeria, Argentina, Bahrain, and others. Eight countries voted against.

Read The Guardian’s report UN vote supports ICJ world court climate change

Climate Lounge invites you to its art and book club launch

Join at the launch of its Art Club / Book Club.

“Art Club / Book Club is a space to gather, think, feel, create and engage critically with the climate crisis and its affects: social, political, environmental, emotional, spiritual, personal and collective. A new take on a traditional book club if you will. It will include: a launch pop-up on 30 May 2026; six sessions at various locations with guest artists and activists; an artist lab for 10 artists; one collective exhibition - funding dependent.

On 30 May, at the Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation from 2-6pm, we will officially launch Art Club/Book Club with a pop-up event designed for participation and co-creation. Featuring live music from Sky Dladla, poetry from Iman Zanele Omar, an Ecocritical roundtable discussion, and collective collage making with Make Muck Zine! Plus, snacks and chats, and a chance to engage with and contribute to the Art Club / Book Club programme.”

Silent Book Club heads to Hermanus

It’s book festival season and is going on another field trip, this time to the Fyn Arts Festival in Hermanus

This vibrant, multi-format festival returns from 6 –14 June and showcases the best in South African arts, including the visual, performing, literary and culinary fields. Check out the amazing programme here!

“We’re also hosting a gathering with our friends at the Hermanus chapter of the Silent Book Club that morning, so you can make a day of it,” says . “Come through for some morning reading at the Only Specials Café at 10am and then join me at the showdown to show why the Silent Book Club is the best kind of book club!”

Share

Pawparents - a gentle reminder about dog ownership and responsibilities

Issued September 7, 2025 by Cllr for Ward 71, Carolynne Franklin, on behalf of City of Cape Town.

In Cape Town, dogs in public are subject to regulations outlined in the City of Cape Town’s Animal Keeping By-law.

Key points include the requirement for *ALL dogs* to be on a leash in public spaces, with owners responsible for *responsibly* removing and disposing of any faeces. Additionally, dogs cannot be allowed to roam freely in public places without supervision, attack people or other animals, or be a hazard to traffic or people.

*Leash Requirement:*

A dog must be on a leash in streets and public places, unless it is exercising in an enclosed and marked dog park.

In emergencies, call the City’s Animal Control Unit on 021 596 1999 (24/7, toll free), 0800 225 669 or a Registered Animal Organisation.

I’ve lived in many places, discovered green spaces, and found fellow greenies sharing our ecosystem. Sharing is caring, tribe. Corny, I know.

Currently living in Clovelly, Cape Town, within the Table Mountain National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Love the garden at the back of Barn & Werf. Inside it is packed with antiques and interesting upcycled pieces.

There’s an Ou Meul bakery next door, where we had delicious coffee, and almond and orange mini-cakes.

Share

Climate chat corner

This week’s newsletter was delayed by climate chaos around the country and the declaration of a national state of disaster due to the damage to infrastructure.

The damage in our neck of the woods was minor compared with other parts of the Cape, but a very tall tree on a verge near us fell, taking down electricity poles and cables, cutting power to our small suburb.

The tall tree’s fall took out power lines for the lower part of Clovelly, and some of us were without power for five days (105 hours to be exact, says Dave). The tree fell in the early hours of Monday, and whipped out powerlines, snapping an electricity pole. Mayhem. All the overhead cables had to be replaced because they burnt out.

The teams sent out by the city worked for days. First, the clean-up crew arrived to clear roads. Chainsaws have been buzzing all week. Then the electricity team inspected the damage, and assessed what needed to be done. We followed them around, tracking their progress as they painstakingly pulled through the new overhead wires we needed to power our homes. Special trucks and cherrypickers were brought in to reach stray branches splayed across wires. They worked till 11pm every night, sometimes in the rain. Neighbours arranged hot food and drink deliveries.

It’s time for us to talk about trees, again.

Read City of Cape Town’s report teams respond to severe storm impact: “Fallen trees and related debris featured prominently among reported incidents, with the City’s Recreation and Parks Department receiving more than 1,000 service requests between Sunday, 10 May and midday on Tuesday, 12 May. Additional storm-related requests have since brought the total number of tree-related service requests to 1,764.”

Subscribe now

Climate chaos

Climate chaos is causing more frequent and intense extreme weather events. These extreme weather events are also becoming more difficult to predict. Climate scientists warned us, we can’t say we didn’t know.

Sometimes I wonder whether we will be able to reverse climate change, or have we left it too late? I fear the tipping points have been reached. And so we have forecasts like this from Vox Weather Girls (follow them to stay up to date with weather in South Africa). More than 200mm of rain is a deluge driven by climate chaos.

We endured a truly terrifying summer of heatwaves and fires, and we’ve now plunged into storms and floods. Flood damage on the Garden Route, and in the Eastern Cape left infrastructure destroyed, infrastructure that will take years to rebuild. Communities in river valleys had to be evacuated. Overflowing Kouga Dam leads to evacuations along flooded river valley.

Dare I mention the Super El Nino heading our way in November, or the AMOC collapse?

Preparing to survive extreme weather events is going to be an extreme sport.

Share

Cape Clawless otter sculpture encounters

I was helping Friends of Silvermine River Nature Area to transplant fynbos in the wetland area when I met a group of cyclists, the Trail Angels, who stopped to admire the Cape Clawless otter sculpture by Kommetjie artist Chip Snaddon.

Winter is here

Illegal dumping and littering clog stormwater drains and pipes, and cause flooding. See it. Report it.

Here’s how to report a blocked stormwater drain
• On the City of Cape Town APP
• Phone the City’s customer call centre on 0860 103 089
• Log a service request on www.capetown.gov.za/servicerequests

Subscribe now

I’ve lived in many places, discovered green spaces, and found fellow greenies sharing our ecosystem. Sharing is caring, tribe. Corny, I know.

Currently living in Clovelly, Cape Town, within the Table Mountain National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Over the past five years, I’ve been sharing our Slow Reno story here. It’s a way for me to keep track of what’s been done and what it looked like before we started.

When we moved into our unloved 1955 Clovelly home in 2020 it was cold and dreary. Alterations had been made as tenants requested them, nothing was cohesive. Initially, we spent money on practical things like replacing the asbestos roof and installing a solar geyser. It took a while for us to get going on the inside, adopting a room-by-room approach.

The first interior room was the bathroom, then a bedroom, then creating a pantry and reconfiguring the main bedroom, and creating a studio space with an ensuite out of the first part of a tandem garage running down the side of the house.

This week’s newsletter is all about our slow reno recap and what’s next.

Slow reno recap

Watching Alone on Netflix I often think about how long I would last if I was dropped into the frozen Arctic with a tarpaulin, a knife, and a sleeping bag. Not long.

The best shelter builder by far uses boulders that he levers to his site with long branches. Genius. Use leverage.

Anyway, he digs out a space, builds a rock-solid back wall and two sides to the shelter, the front ‘door’ is a small gap in the stone, there’s flooring and a waterproof roof. Last time I watched he was going strong. Food, shelter, sorted.

I like the idea of small-space living but I’m not ready for a true tiny home. After staying in a tiny home on a farm up the west coast I realised that cramped living is not for me. Building with old shipping containers or straw-bales, where you can create the dimensions you want, is more appealing. But we’re not building, we’re renovating, slowly. The slow reno has been slowly moving along since we moved in three years ago. We share our lounge with a Kawasaki motorbike. Okay, there’s a pane of glass between us but if we want to, we can gaze at the Kawasaki all day.

It’s taken a while but we’ve finally fixed up one bedroom. Restored the parquet floor, installed new wiring, new cupboards (including inners, not just the doors, made of plywood), a new bedroom door (restored), new window frames, new blinds, new curtains, new furniture (bed and desk - we needed small and our other furniture is just too clunky).

The old cupboard was removed and redesigned by us with four doors rather than the clunky three-door cupboard there previously. The old doors went to the tip where they hopefully found a new use. Talent and his co-worker Norman made up plywood doors for the cupboards, and we gave them a single coat of Woodoc to seal them. Woodoc is water-based which is better for the environment than oil-based sealant. Thumbs up to Woodoc.

Talent from Timber Products, is based in Masi near Fish Hoek, Cape Town. He has set up his own small business and nothing is too small. Soon after completing this job he sent us a photo, taken at False Bay Hospital in Fish Hoek. “My firstborn” said the whatsapp. Thank you Talent.

Downsizing continues in the little greenish house in Clovelly. The family-sized 6-8 seater dining table from Restorabilia in Diep River was sold to a family from Durbanville needing a big seater. Glad it’s gone to a good new home.

We bought this table from Huisraad before we decided to go for plywood cupboard doors. It’s an authentic mid-century modern breakfast table with two drop leaves. The pedestal is solid wood, and the top is plywood with a birch veneer. A humble piece of excellent quality.

It’s time for a Slow Reno update

March 25, 2024

We have a small team of builders helping us with our stop-start slow renovation in Clovelly, Cape Town. Talent is a carpenter and Nelson a builder/bricklayer/plasterer par excellence. They live in Masiphumele near Fish Hoek.

Restorations and renovations take time - the planning and preparing in our case has gone on for three years - and money. Time we have, and the idea is to pay as we go and do as much of the work ourselves: a debt-free slow renovation. After spending lots of money on replacing the asbestos roof, and new and improved insulation it was time for some interior restoration.

We had two small bedrooms side by side - one was so small we couldn’t fit a cupboard in it. And there was, weirdly, no storage in the rest of the house - no hall cupboard or airing cupboard - so we modified the two rooms. We have made a storage/pantry room and created a big, airy bedroom (with a cupboard in the same room). We were able to restore the old wooden parquet floors in both rooms and it was also time to install the last two restored doors that we bought from friends in Glencairn.

The thing about renovating when you’re living in the building site is the noise, the dust, and the chaos can be extremely discombobulating. In the above images, you can see the mess behind the scenes - we had to close up one door and bash through a wall to put in the door for the pantry/store room. But it’s done, and it was worth it.

The point of the new roof, and insulation, plus new windows, is to improve energy-efficiency in our home. South African homes built before 1960 weren’t built for the chill or the increasingly hot summers we’ve been having due to climate change and global warming. I can already feel that insulation has improved temperature control, and this keeps heating bills down, reducing our reliance on Eskom. Other carbon footprint improvements include replacing the shower and bath in the main bathroom with a luxurious walk-in shower. Who bathes these days in the times of global warming and water shortages? I got carried away with tiles, choosing a handmade tile from Spain. It was a moment of madness, and although I didn’t want to buy imported tiles, I went for them.

Studio space emerges from tandem garage

Kitchen confidential

We decided to get in the professionals to design our ‘new’ kitchen and Holly Wood Design Studio came up with a plan for us.

Would you like to see some more slow reno stories? Our next project is building a garage and then converting the second part of the tandem garage (now studio space) into a shared workspace.

Subscribe now

Save the date for friends

Join Friends of Silvermine Nature Area on Saturday, May 9 for a community work party in the wetland. Bring the family, there will be something for everyone!

Share

Source to Sea walks raise R34,000

In more news from Friends of Silvermine Nature Area, Martin Scholtz says: “We are pleased to share with you that we collectively managed to raise a total of R34,325 for the 2026 Source to Sea Fundraising Hike. I think we can say we reached our R35,000 target! Thank you to everyone who joined on the day and contributed to this annual fundraiser, and the people who donated, even though they were unable to join. And to the FOSNA committee and other community volunteers who assisted in so many ways, we really value your support. See you in April 2027!”

Silent Book Club is back at Bertha House

is back at the Activist Cafe at Bertha House, one of its OG meeting spots!

Skacket and skirket - keep the names coming

In last week’s newsletter I wrote: “I cut up the paisley skirt and upstitched it to the top, and made myself a skirjacket.”

Silly me with my silly ‘skirjacket’. Eldest son Sam suggested ‘skacket’, and gorgeous Nicola-not-Nicole came up with ‘skirket’, which makes much more sense. Noted.

I’ve lived in many places, discovered green spaces, and found fellow greenies sharing our ecosystem. Sharing is caring, tribe. Corny, I know.

Currently living in Clovelly, Cape Town, within the Table Mountain National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Subscribe now

Thirty years ago, I bought a green linen shirt-jacket from a fast-fashion chain (pre fast-fashion awareness).

I liked the colour, the fabric and the style but it didn’t look good on me. Months later, I was shopping with my mother in Simon’s Town and fell in love with a paisley skirt at Meditteraneo. My mom bought it for me, and both the skirt and the jacket languished in my cupboard for 30 years.

I kept them, but I needed an idea, something that I could do to the top and / or the skirt to make them work for me. And then, voila, I cut up the paisley skirt and upstitched it to the top, and made myself a skirjacket.

It took me an hour to attach pieces of paisley ex-skirt to the top with colourful thread and visible slow stitches. I knew an idea would come to me eventually.

• Other name ideas included a skouse (skirt + blouse), a jackert (jacket + skirt) and a shirket (shirt + jacket).

Subscribe now

Stitch stories from the archives

Slow fix for fast fashion

Karen’s in the UK now, working as a carer. Ten days before leaving, she asked me to look at repairing her favourite white shirt. “I need to wear a white shirt, and I’m not a white-collar person. Please fix it.”

I thought it would be an easy fix. It had been through a lot of trauma, the white cotton shirt from H&M. First, there was the spill - not sure exactly what spilled but there was a lot of it, judging from the bleaching that followed. The bleach (was it neat?) that caused the fabric to rip and shred.

Then someone tried to fix it with big, loopy threads. I left the loopy threads, the fragility of the fabric was too precious. I applied what I’ve learned from neighbour Kyoko Kimura Morgan. Slow sashiko stitches, combined with what I’ve learned about darning from Jen from Studio Kasuga in Lakeside. And some of my, ahem, unique stitching. There are lots of patches inside the shirt on the side that suffered the most. I started with one biggish patch of white cheesecloth to repair the biggest hole. But that put some strain on the adjacent fabric, so another patch was added. And another. It was a bit scary because Karen told me it was her favourite shirt and the shirt was going to go and work in the UK with her. I’m glad I carried on. Added a purple stripe which wasn’t right, unpicked it. Carried on.

Fixing things seems slower, and a bit of an effort, but the satisfaction of repair is great, and anything we can keep out of landfill has to be a good thing. (Nov 23, 2023)

Subscribe now

Smiles at Silvermine River Source to Sea walks

Martin Scholtz, from Friends of Silvermine Nature Area, writes: “Thank you to all those who joined us on Saturday for a very successful Source to Sea hike. We had a total of 174 walkers on all three routes. Thanks to all those who volunteered as hike leaders, sweepers, donation collectors, and assisted with the signing of registers. It was wonderful to have had the support we did.”

Would you like to join F0SNA’s walking club?

Here is FOSNA Hiking Club’s new schedule from May through to August 2026. Thank you to FOSNA committee member, Shelley Tuck, and FOSNA members who lead these weekly hikes for this amazing opportunity to explore our local natural areas. We have much to celebrate and enjoy on our doorstep!

Fosna Walks 2026 07 May 27 August 2026

197KB ∙ PDF file

Download

Download

Silent Book Club Cape Town meet-up at Franschhoek Literary Festival

I’ve lived in a lot of places, discovered green spaces, and found fellow greenies sharing our ecosystem. Sharing is caring, tribe. Corny, I know.

Currently living in Clovelly, Cape Town, within the Table Mountain National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Subscribe now

Time to revisit Ohana Cafe in Kalk Bay, this time with my brother. I felt like something light after Easter over-indulgence and chose a crunchy salad packed with freshness, sitting on noodles, topped with avocado, and a yummy dressing. Did we share some of the top-tier cheesecake with candied orange peel with our coffee? Yes we did! Balance is everything.

We also returned to Barefoot Cafe in Rocklands Farm, Simon’s Town, with our green energy son, Josh. He ordered the vegan cauliflower bowl (and gave it a 5-star rating), and we had farm omelettes filled with herbs and made with eggs from the free-range chickens.

🌱 Breath & Breakfast 🥬 Farm-to-Table Eating 😍 Breathtaking Views⏳ Open Tue - Sun 9am - 4pm

See my review Go off the beaten track at Rocklands Farm where Barefoot Cafe invites you to relax

Wild weather floods Cape Town

The city is reeling from the deluge of rain that has hit Cape Town. Lots of reports about flooding, but not much said about the fact that this is what climate change looks like.

See you at the Source to Sea Walks

Watch Friends of Silvermine Nature Area Source to Sea Hikes 20 April 2024 on YouTube.

The problem with AI

This is what happens when humanoids use AI. Real people make genuine mistakes, artificial ‘intelligence’ makes stupid mistakes.

Do you want a tree in front of your house, or in a park close to home?

The City nursery has thousands of free trees available for you to plant and care for until they grow big and strong. You must commit to watering and maintaining them for at least three years. To find out more about where trees can be planted, click on the link.

Apply here:

Application For Tree Planting

284KB ∙ PDF file

Download

Download

All aboard at Muizenberg station for Silent Book Club Cape Town

This time we’re starting in the south and heading to the big city. We’ll meet at Muizenberg Station to hop on the train to town and spend a couple of hours exploring the area, then we’ll hop back on the train to Muizenberg.

A reminder that tickets are cash only. Please arrive with plenty of time to purchase your ticket and board the train.

These gatherings are a little more fluid than usual, since it’s a little harder to guide everyone. You can read when you want, chat when you want, and stare out the window longingly when you want. You can even choose what you do when we get to town, but there are great options around the CBD, like The Company’s Gardens, The Cedar Hatch Coffee Bar, Bree Street, and more!

You can also join us along the way if that’s more convenient for you.

A bit about me

I’ve lived in lots of places, discovered green spaces, and found fellow greenies sharing our ecosystem. Sharing is caring, tribe. Corny, I know.

Currently living in Clovelly, Cape Town, within the Table Mountain National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

I’ve never ridden the annual Cape Town cycle tour, and I never will. And that’s okay with me. A friend, Tanya Farber, proudly declares after every cycle tour that she remains committed to not having ridden again.

Tanya shows true grit for 53rd year in a row

“You know what they say about refusing to ride a bicycle. Once you’ve learnt, you never forget. Good people, I am proud to announce that, once again and for the 53rd year in a row, I did not do the Argus cycle tour. And for that, I thank my family, my friends, and whoever bakes those hot cross buns for Woolworths.”

To be honest, I’d never gone down to Main Road to cheer on the cyclists until Kyoko mentioned cake and meeting up in the car park from 8am armed to watch them whizz by. A new neighbour, Tracy-Lee, brought along a nectarine and berry cake, and I’m wondering how we can get her to bake us another one.

It was exciting to stand at the corner, watching the cyclists fly past towards Cape Point while a Prasa train went in the opposite direction. (Warning, if you don’t like the sound of whistles turn the sound off before watching.)

Subscribe now

Peace and love

A prayer to all the gods,

for cooler heads to prevail,

for those already in the fire,

for those watching, hearts breaking,

for our fear, that it doesn’t harden into hatred,

for life, to be chosen again and again and again.

Follow Gillian and Li’l Bean on Substack.

Get your finger on the pulses

Meat is bad for the planet and for you. It’s also hella expensive. Pulses, on the other hand, are cheap, plentiful and good for you (and the planet when compared to meat production). Great piece from The Guardian Easy and delicious eat more legumes, pulses and beans

With food shortages looming The Guardian also put together advice on what to stock up on. It includes tinned sardines and oats, good store cupboard staples. And crisps. A bit silly, the crisp idea, but it makes the point that you need to have something on hand for guests. Sharing is caring. Foods to stockpile emergency store

Patch piece update

Steph and I made some progress with the patchwork piece I showed you in The Butterfly Effect. Clever Caroline (a neighbour with a knack for sewing) went round each square with blanket stitch on her sewing machine.

Birds of a feather

Another wonderful opportunity to learn more about the Silvermine River Valley - this time the focus will be on birds. Thanks to Branch Out Youth, and SANPARKS Honorary Rangers!

Share

See you at the Source to Sea fundraising hikes

The Friends of Silvermine Nature Area (FOSNA) warmly invite you to join them for its 2026 Annual Fundraising Source to Sea Walks. Choose from three distances - 12.5, 8.5 or 5km. Come along and enjoy good company, beautiful scenery, and contribute, through your donation, to the conservation work done, by our organisation, year-round in the Silvermine Nature Area and the Lower Silvermine Wetland Area. Please arrive promptly for your chosen walk at 8am to sign in and hear the briefing. All walks commence at 8.30am.

For full information on the routes, please go to Friends of Silvermine website.

After making your payment, please join this WhatsApp Group or use the QR code below.

I’ve lived in a lot of places, discovered green spaces, and found fellow greenies sharing our ecosystem. Sharing is caring, tribe. Corny, I know.

Currently living in Clovelly, Cape Town, within the Table Mountain National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Bonny lived high up on the mountain, in line with our house in the lowlands. Here she painted and created, swooping down from her mountain top to share needles and thread. She collected old wooden window frames and doors for an upcycled shed.

When they moved to the lowlands, the window frames and doors went with them, along with creations made on the mountain. In her new home, Bonny assembled the bits and pieces collected and gave the old garden shed a makeover.

We were invited to visit the shed to view her mini-exhibition on a sunny Saturday afternoon. Children and neighbours painted, chatted, drank tea and nibbled on cheese and Marmite muffins made by Bonny’s mom (a secret recipe from the Eastern Cape). I went to the shed and found a bowl painted with lemons, with a pouring spout. “That was a mistake,” explains Bonny. “The side broke, and instead of restarting, I folded it and created a pouring edge.” This bowl is now my favourite salad dressing bowl.

Spot the little salad dressing bowl that came home with me.

Bonny offers creative coaching. Find out more at Bonny Schlebusch.com

Share

Basil bounty shared

A neighbour shared on our Whatsapp group. “Lots of basil, help yourselves.” I walked to her home and admired the profusion of Cosmos flowers outside the gate and the armfuls of basil branches on offer. It was a lot, so I made a tomato/basil sauce with half and froze the other half.

The 90s are calling

Found this image online, and it neatly represents the “going 90s with phones” idea I’ve seen on the interweb. Remember when you had to be at home to take a call? Let’s leave our phones at home more often. Try it and let me know how it goes.

Neighbourhood news notes

Mapping flood lines in the Lower Silvermine Wetland

The City of Cape Town has appointed Lukhozi Consulting Engineers to develop a master plan to improve flood safety and environmental health in our area.

This involves mapping flood lines, checking stormwater pipe capacities, and planning the rehabilitation of the Lower Silvermine Wetland, which will contribute to a bigger Silvermine River Valley Management Plan.

There are likely to be groups of people in the wetland over the next few months, which will also involve the use of drones using laser technology to map the area.

The consulting engineers have the necessary permits to operate the drones for this purpose, and the broader team includes a fresh-water ecologist, hydrologists and infrastructure specialists. This vital work is set for completion by July 2026. (Issued by Friends of Silvermine Nature Area)

Join friends on walks for Silvermine Nature Area

The Friends of Silvermine Nature Area (FOSNA) warmly invites you to join them for its 2026 Annual Fundraising Source to Sea Walks. Choose from three distances - 12.5, 8.5 or 5km. Come along and enjoy good company, beautiful scenery, and contribute, through your donation, to the conservation work done by our organisation year-round in the Silvermine Nature Area and the Lower Silvermine Wetland Area. Please arrive promptly for your chosen walk at 8am to sign in and hear the briefing. All walks commence at 8.30am.

For full information on the routes, please go to Friends of Silvermine website. After making your payment, please join this WhatsApp Group or use the QR code below.

Choose from three routes - 5.5km, 8.5km or 12.5km

Route 1: one-way route, approx 12.5 km, 4 to 5 hours. Meet at 8 am in the Silvermine Nature Reserve Gate 1 Car Park (below the dam).

Route 2 - one-way route, approx 8.5 km, 2 to 3 hours Meet at 8 am in the Silvermine Nature Reserve Gate 2 Car Park; turn right off Ou Kaapse Weg, when driving from the Sun Valley - Noordhoek end.

Route 3 - circular route, approx 5.5 km, 1 to 2 hours Meet at 8 am in the Clovelly Beach gravel car park opposite the Disaster Management Building near the electrical sub-station.

I’ve lived in a lot of places, discovered green spaces, and found fellow greenies sharing our ecosystem. Sharing is caring, tribe. Corny, I know.

Currently living in Clovelly, Cape Town, within the Table Mountain National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Garden Acraea, below. Larvae eat leaves of the Wild Peach and they are preyed upon by the Diedrek cuckoo. I planted a Wild Peach five years ago, when we moved in, and I think I heard a cuckoo recently.

This week’s green spaces newsletter is all about fixing what’s broken and small acts of caring that make a big difference.

Steph and I are making floor mats for children to sit on in an art room. An art room should encourage relaxation and creativity, a sense of ease. We’re using fabric samples donated by a friend. At this point, we’re cutting out the samples and arranging them, prepping for a process involving a hot iron and an industrial sewing machine. Ultimately, we’ll have a patchwork mat. Stay tuned for updates.

Share

Eco Bites with Branch Out Youth

Branch Out Youth launched its first eco bites event with SANParks Honorary Rangers on Saturday 21 February. There was a good turnout, and the rangers explored the valley’s rich biodiversity, and explained about local conservation efforts.

See @BranchOutYouth on Instagram.

Fernkloof’s magical mystery tour for children

A colourful, child‑friendly flyer introducing school groups and youngsters to Fernkloof’s wonders has been released free at the reserve in Hermanus.

Designed as a map‑style eco‑treasure hunt by Kathie Buley with illustrator Theodore Key, it highlights plant and animal landmarks, encourages hands‑on discovery and meets educational goals that support botanical garden accreditation. Intended for children from about seven with an accompanying adult, the flyer was tested successfully and may be followed by an activity book pending sponsorship.

Save the date!

Subscribe now

I’ve lived in a lot of places, discovered green spaces, and found fellow greenies sharing our ecosystem. Sharing is caring, tribe. Corny, I know.

Currently living in Clovelly, Cape Town, within the Table Mountain National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

This time last week I was dithering about whether or not to sauna. A friend gave me a ticket to book a spot at a Hot Huts sauna. I chose Dalebrook, Monday, 8am. But at 7.30am the rain fell, lightning flashed across the sky, and I had second thoughts. I had pictured a sauna on a sunny day when I could dip into Dalebrook Pool. I decide to “sauna” anyway.

The Hot Hut is parked outside Kalk Bay Community Centre, and it’s smaller than I imagined. There are only two other people inside, both young and lithe of limb. They chat while I sit on the low bench near the door, apparently the coolest place in the sauna (heat rises). It’s a 15-minute time slot. How hot can it be?

I can feel steaming air in my nostrils every time I breathe in. I try cupping my hands over my nose, creating a small chamber of cooler air. Isn’t it ironic, I think, that I spend a lot of time trying to cool down my body temperature, yet here I am deliberately making myself hot.

I last for eight minutes before I lurch out into the cool drizzle. “You need to build up your time slowly,” the Hot Huts helper says.

It’s a week later and instead of a deluge of rain we have a heatwave. Cape Town is forecasting temperatures in the high 30s/early 40s. That’s hot for Cape Town. Not as hot as the Australian outback where heat records were broken by high 40s/early 50s.

Keep in mind that the optimal temperature for the human body ranges between 36,5 and 37,5 degrees Celsius. I’m not going to go into detail about what happens when our core body temperature climbs above safe levels and stays there.

We need to save our cool, green spaces.

Silvermine friends show some love on Valentine’s Day

We got together on Saturday morning, meeting at the otter sculpture at 9am. Michelle Delport, who leads the Friends of Silvermine Nature Area wetland sub-committee, led us in a moment of quiet breathing and reflection before we split into smaller groups to get to work.

A group worked alongside the collapsed bridge to create a temporary bridging structure, using some of the original planks from the broken bridge.

This section will be underwater in the wet season. The temporary crossing gives pedestrians a useful shortcut between Clovelly and Fish Hoek. It is also used by walkers doing a circuit of the wetland.

Share

Flora, fauna, and friends in Silvermine Valley with Branch Out Youth and SANParks Honorary Rangers

Branch Out Youth says: “We’re excited to launch a new monthly youth programme in collaboration with SANParks Honorary Rangers, bringing together young nature enthusiasts to explore, learn, and care for the Silvermine Valley.

We’re kicking off this Branch Out x SANParks Honorary Rangers Youth Eco Bites Series 2026 with a morning of discovery in the beautiful Silvermine Valley! 🌄
Join us to explore the valley’s rich biodiversity, learn about local conservation efforts, and connect with fellow youth who care about nature. Together, we’ll walk along the river, spot species, and deepen our understanding of this special landscape.
🗓️ Saturday 21 February 2026 | 9:00–12:00
📍 Silvermine Homestead & Valley
👥 Who: Youth aged 18–35
🥾 Bring: walking shoes, water, snacks, hat & weather-ready layers
Let’s learn together, build community, and take the first step toward caring for Silvermine Valley 💚

Help safeguard Elgin Park’s green lung for future generations

Friends of Elgin Park in Fish Hoek urge local government officials and urban planners to recognise the intrinsic value of Elgin Park and to implement stringent measures to safeguard it. “By designating Elgin Park as a protected green space, we can ensure its preservation for our children and grandchildren.

Join us in valuing our community’s health and future by signing this petition. Your voice can help secure Elgin Park's legacy as a sanctuary of natural beauty and ecological balance, safeguarding it for generations to come. Please sign and share this petition to make a lasting impact.”

Share

Call to UnPoison Cape Town

📣 This campaign is growing, and it’s powered by people like you. Let’s UnPoison Cape Town, street by street, suburb by suburb.

Unpoison is working with residents, councillors, scientists, and civil society to stop the City’s blanket use of toxic herbicides like glyphosate on our streets, parks and playgrounds, and push for toxic-free methods, safe for people, pets, and ecosystems.

This poll is designed to show clear, local support to remove suburbs from the City’s spraying programme and replace pesticides and poison with non-toxic, health and ecosystem-centred solutions.

CoCT Weed-control Herbicide Spraying Poll for Suburbs

Thanks to our campaign progress and the incredible suburb volunteers who have led their local neighbourhood action, the following suburbs are herbicide and poison free: Clovelly, Kirstenhof, Lakeside, Misty Cliffs, Noordhoek, Scarborough, Tokai, Westlake, Zwaanswyk, Muizenberg, Capri, Zeekoevlei.

UnPoison.org

Update on Muizenberg beachfront refurbishment project

You are invited to the first Construction Community Liaison Meeting of the year for the Muizenberg Beachfront Refurbishment Project. It will take place at the Muizenberg Civic Centre on Wednesday, 25 February 2026.

Chand Consultants has been appointed to lead the stakeholder engagement process, facilitating transparent and open communication with affected residents, businesses, and the broader public during the construction period. This meeting’s primary goals are to:

* Provide updates on construction activities and progress

* Communicate no-go areas and detour routes

* Outline expected disruptions and mitigation measures

* Indicate available communication channels

* Create a forum for you to raise any questions or concerns

Your Community Liaison Meeting is scheduled as follows:

Date: Wednesday, 25 February 2026

Time: 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

Venue: The Muizenberg Civic Centre, Beach Rd, Muizenberg, Cape Town, 7950

I’ve lived in lots of places, discovered green spaces, and found fellow greenies sharing our ecosystem. Sharing is caring, tribe. Corny, I know.

Currently living in Clovelly, Cape Town, within the Table Mountain National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Time for a Silent Book Club session at Sentinel Cafe (part of Sentinel Ocean Alliance) in Hout Bay.

How often do you see someone reading a book in public? Rarely. It’s typically cellphones luring our eyes downwards. But sitting at Hout Bay’s Sentinel Cafe on Sunday morning, everyone was reading books (some on Kindle).

Someone stands in the shallows reading. We’re not talking, we’re reading. Some of us could improve our silent skills, and we get a pointed look.

Nia* and I haven’t seen each other in months. Nia was a bietjie laat, and we have to whisper greetings. And we like to talk. But not now. It’s the first time I’ve joined a Cape Town Silent Book Club gathering, and it’s the first time the club has met in Hout Bay. Nia’s trying out her Kindle for the first time (got it four years ago), and I show her how to toggle. We giggle.

We lose our sunhats to the brisk breeze, causing more disruption because retrieving them means climbing over fences to get them from the small succulent garden.

I want to take photos. Nia says I have ants in my pants and should not pretend to be a chilled silent reader when there are so many photos to be taken and so much stuff to check out.

Despite our slightly delinquent (and immature) behaviour, we love reading, and books are vital to me. It’s good to see shared reading in public spaces is growing nationally and globally. I introduce myself to Shawn Buck (who is also on Substack), and the guy who started the Cape Town chapter of the silent book club.

Cape Town Silent Book Club

Hi, I'm Shawn, Your Cape Town Chapter Organiser

Since I’ve been running the Cape Town Silent Book Club for over a year and a half, I thought it might be high time to let you all know a little bit more about me. I never want this thing to be about ME, but I do want you to know a real person is behind it all. I’m just an introverted guy who likes reading and exploring Cape Town…

Read more

7 months ago · 11 likes · 7 comments · Shawn @ CPT Silent Book Club

Watch Shawn’s PechaKucha talk in Cape Town: Shhh Happens.

The venue: Sentinel Cafe - coffee with a cause

Sentinel Ocean Alliance was founded in 2018 by big-wave surfer and community activist Frank Solomon. What began as a small surf club offering water safety lessons has grown into a registered non-profit organisation, providing structured ocean-based education and therapy to hundreds of children each year.

Share

Cafe Collective conversations and upcycled shopping

We leave the beach and head for the small Sunday market (not the big Bay Harbour Market indoor market, too noisy for me) where crafters quietly sell their handcrafted and often upcycled goods. Nia buys a bird feeder made from a used gas cylinder, and a string of carved wooden hearts in cheerful yellow. We wander back to Cafe Collective for lunch and unbridled chats.

The Collective Local Artisan Gift Emporium, inside the historic Post Office, showcases the curated work of more than 180 local artisans, creatives and artists, with a focus on social upliftment.

The Harvest Table at Cafe Collective is excellent. We serve ourselves portions from a selection of Mediterranean-inspired salads for weighing. Nia is fussy, and her friends know it. Nia proclaims that she couldn’t fault the food, “and anyone who knows me will be shocked”.

• Nia Magoulianiti-McGregor and I met at university in 1981, and we run a mutual admiration society. Read Nia’s Greek Club stories in Daily Maverick here Narcissism with origanum - it’s all Greek food to me. Nia is currently working on a novel.

How to eat for a healthier planet and a healthier you

I like to think that I look after my health but recent cholesterol test results indicate there’s room for improvement. A traditional Greek eating plan is held up by the 2025 EAT Lancet Commission Report as aligned with the Planetary Health Diet. This is a global reference diet based on the best available science; the name arose from evidence suggesting that adopting it would reduce the environmental impacts and nutritional deficiences of most current diets.

The traditional weekly meal patterns of Greeks are plant-forward, and rich in fruits and vegetables, nuts, grains (often whole), and olive oil.

I’ve always been drawn to salads and Mediterranean-style eating. Olives, hummus, feta, tomatoes, chickpeas, garlic, parsley, I’m there for all of it. Eating out, it’s always tempting to eat unfamiliar food but give me a garlic pita and exuberant salad, and I’m happy. I’m always keen to try out Med-style restaurants, and had lunch at SALT in Kalk Bay recently. I will be back.

See Planetary Health diet could save 40,000 deaths a day in The Guardian: “The diet – which allows moderate meat consumption – and related measures would also slash the food-related emissions driving global heating by half by 2050.”

Books on the Bay is back

In more bookish news, Books on the Bay in Simon’s Town will be held 14-16 March and the programme is ready to view. I’ve got my eye on Finuala Dowling’s talk on Day 1.

I went to a talk at Books on the Bay last year, The Art of Memoir, and it kickstarted my memoir-writing process, pulling together all the threads of my disrupted childhood. Coincidentally, I went to the talk with Nia.

Subscribe now

I’ve lived in a lot of places, discovered green spaces, and found fellow greenies sharing our ecosystem. Sharing is caring, tribe. Corny, I know.

Currently living in Clovelly, Cape Town, within the Table Mountain National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Fynbos friends of Muizenberg Park restore wetlands

We meet outside John Venn’s house, next to Muizenberg Park, a green space in central Muizenberg, on the always busy Main Road.

“A couple of years ago, this was a dump,” he says. “There was a mattress in the pond, it was full of litter and weeds. In a couple of years, we have been able to plant wetland fynbos, improve the play area for children, and install benches. And we have more plans this year.”

Funds for the park’s restoration are raised through John’s walks and talks, and other fundraising events, such as the annual Concert in the Park.

“100% of the proceeds of these tours are funding the restoration of wetland fynbos in Muizenberg Park, and I’m leading this initiative on behalf of the Friends of Muizenberg Park,” says John.

All the fynbos growing in the park was raised from seed found in Peck’s Valley by FynbosLIFE in Muizenberg. (See BoSSIES below).

We admire the restios and a baboon sculpture, and John shows us the small building that blocks the flow of a stream. There are plans to demolish it, to allow the stream to follow its natural course. Water is crucial to the park’s success, and water from an underground perennial spring runs down the slope to a small stream that supplies the wetland.

A wooden bridge takes you to sturdy benches built around the base of a tree, creating a shady space to sit, read, and chat. On the other side of the park, there is a play area for children, cordoned off from dogs with a low latte fence.

Just as I’m starting to wilt in the heat, we head into John’s secret garden, a glorious shady space. We begin at the Japan-inspired garden, and a tranquil pond filled with koi. There’s a little red bridge and a red gateway, or torii, that encourages you to relax and engage with nature as you walk through it.

There’s an eco-pool, a Moroccan outdoor lounge and, my favourite section, the dripping rain forest where I linger, getting my hair and clothes wet to cool down. I look a bit like a drowned rat when I emerge and join the tea party.

John has baked banana bread using his home-grown bananas, and his neighbour has made delicious spiced apple cake and chocolate brownies, served with a dab of cream. The coffee is excellent.

“My garden won first prize in the South African Landscaping Institute national competition last year, and I am holding more tours in the first week of March,” he says.

DM John on his Coniston Home and Garden Instagram account (below) to book your spot. (@coniston_home_and_garden)

John’s neighbour, the baker of apple sponge and chocolate brownies, tells me how she used to feel alone in her street, but the Friends of Muizenberg Park have created a community of friends.

Friends of Muizenberg Park website.

The tour costs R250, and includes a half-hour tour of Muizenberg Park, and an hour-long tour of Coniston Gardens, plus tea/coffee and cake. Contact John on Instagram @coniston_home_and_garden

Go BoSSIES with FynbosLIFE

BoSSIES — Biodiversity on Suburban Sidewalks for Indigenous Ecosystem Sanctuaries!

Yes, it’s a mouthful, but it’s worth it! This FynbosLIFE initiative is a cool way to turn Cape Town’s sidewalks into thriving, green havens. Inspired by a passion for indigenous plants and community spirit, BoSSIES is all about transforming dull, neglected street edges into vibrant habitats full of life, attracting insects, birds, and pollinators in our neighbourhoods.

By planting local fynbos and involving communities through fun activities like the “BoSSIES Name Game”, FynbosLIFE is making nature accessible, educational, and inspiring everyone to become biodiversity heroes.

BoSSIES has established nine vibrant biodiversity sites across Cape Town. From sidewalks in Lakeside and Marina Da Gama to courtyards in Bellville, BoSSIES projects are transforming neglected spaces into thriving habitats. Future plans include more sites with Friends of Orchard Village, expanded planting in Westlake, and exciting new collaborations.

Join FynbosLIFE in refynbossing Cape Town, one sidewalk at a time — because every small patch has the power to make a big difference.

For more information, contact helen@fynboslife.com

Have you heard about the city’s Urban Green guide?

The city has a guide to best practices in the urban environment, filled with information to help us navigate our public green spaces in an eco-conscious way.

I found the section on verges useful, and I’ll also be looking at fire-retardant gardens more closely. Meanwhile, here are three pointers from the city to keep in mind when it comes to the verges outside your property.

1. In general, the City does not maintain residential verges. Residents are encouraged to plant and maintain sidewalks, but it must be done in a responsible and safe manner.

2. Verge planting should consist of soft landscaping, with no fixed or permanent structures erected, and should be well maintained. Plants should also not obscure sightlines in the road.

3. When planting verges or sidewalks, it is best to leave open a grassed/paved area of >500 mm wide on the roadside for pedestrians to use. Avoid using gravel/stone chips on the verge or sidewalk next to the roadside, as this can be uncomfortable to walk on and may also end up in the road, wash into stormwater drains, and be hazardous to cyclists.

For more info please download the Urban Green Best Practice Guidelines from the City of Cape Town.

Urban Green Best Practice Guidelines

24.6MB ∙ PDF file

Download

Download

Save the date!

Have you seen any ringed Cape Bulbuls?

Share

I’ve lived in a lot of places, discovered green spaces, and found fellow greenies sharing our ecosystem. Sharing is caring, tribe. Corny, I know.

Currently living in Clovelly, Cape Town, within the Table Mountain National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

I dubbed last year Twenty-twenty strive, try to stay alive. What would work for 2026? A friend, Bridget Hilton-Barber, took a series of photos in Jozi captioning them twenty-twenty fix, so I’m going with that.

Glimmerings in the wetlands of the Lower Silvermine River

When the world is whirling, find yourself a green space.

This is a glimpse of the Lower Silvermine River wetland area between Fish Hoek and Clovelly.

We need more bird life.

That’s the sound of the sea in the background.

Simon’s Town’s secret antique alley

There’s a secret alleyway on Main Road, Simon’s Town, with a treasure trove of antiques and Mike “in attendance to tend to most of your restoration needs.”

I discovered it with a friend one Saturday morning when we were exploring. Some lovely pieces caught my eye, perhaps something for our Slow Reno? The Slow Reno has been going for five years, and I can see the end now.

Call Mike on +27 83 486 6126 to discuss your piece needing attention.

Would you like to see some slow reno stories? Our next project is building a garage and converting the carport/garage into a shared workspace. Here’s an earlier Slow Little Reno post (the Kawasaki has gone). (See more Slow Reno posts here Morning Thoughts and Chasing Butterflies)

Hike of the week: Blokhuiskop

Last week, I introduced you to Richard Kaplan’s Hiking in the South website, and this week I’ve chosen to share the Blokhuiskop hike.

Start this adventurous hike at the saddle between Kalk Bay and Clovelly, ascending to the top of Cave Peak for excellent views along the ridge leading to Blokhuiskop. The route offers a mix of rocky sections and forested cliffside paths, winding along ridges and through fynbos before doubling back to the starting point.

Overview — This out-and-back hike begins either in Kalk Bay or Clovelly and leads to the saddle between the two suburbs. From there, the trail ascends to Cave Peak before traversing along the cliff base and continuing to the summit. From the top, hikers can walk across the mountain plateau to Blokhuiskop.

Optional Loop — For the adventurous, a narrow passageway descends to the Clovelly side, allowing for a loop around Blokhuiskop. This option requires careful route finding and will be challenging to find for those unfamiliar with the area. Return options include the same route, a higher traverse past the Clovelly side entrance to Boomslang Cave, or via Echo Valley.

See Hiking in the South, for more information, maps, duration, difficulty, etc.

Share

Friends of Silvermine hike schedule

Here is the schedule of FOSNA walks from 15 January to the end of April 2026. Thanks to FOSNA hike leaders, Shelley, Meryl, Rob, Chris, Gail and Steve. Friends of Silvermine Nature Area

Thursday 29 January Time : 08h15 – 12h30

Leader : Shelley Tuck Meet at : Silvermine Gate 2 parking Hike : St James Peak via Muizenberg Cave, Silvermine. Moderate – some uphill climbing.

Fosna Walks 2026 15 January 30 April

156KB ∙ PDF file

Download

Download

Walkies time, leashes on!

A gentle reminder from Cllr for Ward 71, Carolynne Franklin, on behalf of the City of Cape Town.

In Cape Town, dogs in public are subject to regulations outlined in the City of Cape Town’s Animal Keeping By-law.

Key points include the requirement for ALL dogs to be on a leash in public spaces, with owners responsible for responsibly removing and disposing of any faeces.

Dogs cannot be allowed to roam freely in public places without supervision, attack people or other animals, or be a hazard to traffic or people.

Leash Requirement

A dog must be on a leash in streets and public places, unless it is exercising in an enclosed and marked dog park.

In emergencies, call the City’s Animal Control Unit on 021 596 1999 (24/7, toll free), 0800 225 669 or a Registered Animal Organisation (RAO).

Issued September 7, 2025 by Cllr for Ward 71, Carolynne Franklin, on behalf of City of Cape Town.

Love books in De Waal Park

In this week’s Substack newsletter Silent Book Club Cape Town announces a meet-up on Valentine’s Day.

“We’ve got a Valentine’s Day gathering! Or Singles Awareness Day Eve, depending on how you celebrate. We won’t really be doing anything special, but if you want to have an afternoon picnic in the park with your Valentine while you read together, you know where to go. If you want to picnic in the park with your book all by yourself, you also know where to go!

De Waal Park is one of our favourite gathering spots because of its beauty, peacefulness, and ample space for everyone to join us (plus the dogs are great too).

We love this park so much that we want to learn a bit more about it, so we’re collaborating with our friend Cameron Peters from Cape Town Heritage Tours (@capetownheritagetours) for a free 20-minute walking tour of the park and the surrounds after the gathering.”

Share

I’ve lived in a lot of places, discovered green spaces, and found fellow greenies sharing our ecosystem. Sharing is caring, tribe. Corny, I know.

Currently living in Clovelly, Cape Town, within the Table Mountain National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

In this week’s green spaces newsletter, we’re appreciating neighbours who bake bread, cultivate succulent gardens, eradicate alien vegetation, and take photos of our wildlife. There’s also a Silent Book Club meet-up in Hout Bay for the first time!

Early one morning, I met someone tending a small triangular succulent garden on the side of the ramp that I wrote about last week. We talked about green spaces and community gardening.

We don’t have a community centre in Clovelly, but we do have the Lower Silvermine River wetland area, Clovelly beach and the mountain. And that’s where we often meet.

Volunteers from Friends of Silvermine Nature Area work together to protect the wetland area, while other groups are busy with alien eradication. They walk from the Fish Hoek side and the Clovelly side, toting trimming tools, paint brushes, poppers in hand, every quarter. (Note: The next meet-up in the wetland with Fosna volunteers is in February.)

There are also mystery cleaner-uppers. Neighbours who walk along verges, collecting rubbish and putting it into Monday’s recycling collection. Others who trim their verge edges and the adjacent verge, or the one opposite their house. Because they care about keeping Clovelly poison-free. (See Unpoison for information about how to ensure that the City of Cape Town doesn’t spray toxic herbicides on our verges.)

There’s a toad patrol organised on our roads by Kim Kruyshaar, our resident environmental expert, when the endangered Western Leopard Toad is migrating.

Another neighbour, Penny Price from Pen’s Padstal, is baking weekly sourdough for us. It’s a simple system. Penny lets us know when and what they’re baking: brown/seeded/olive foccacia, and we collect it when it’s done. Or our baker will deliver (still-warm) bread to our door.

Walking in the deep South

Richard Kaplan is another neighbour volunteering his time, encouraging walkers and hikers to explore the mountains in the peninsula.

Keen hiker Richard has put together Hiking in the South, offering a curated collection of trails in the southern peninsula of Cape Town, complete with links to route maps for easy navigation. Based around Kalk Bay and St James, the range extends from Cape Point to Newlands Forest, incorporating exciting hikes in Fish Hoek, Silvermine, Noordhoek, Hout Bay, Constantia, and Kirstenbosch.

Hikes have been graded from easy to moderately strenuous, based on distance and elevation. Each trail includes concise route notes and direct links to maps on the popular AllTrails App. Selected for their unique challenges and scenic beauty, trails such as the adventurous Elsies Peak Climbing Traverse and Klein Tuinkop via Dassieskasteel involve some exciting scrambling. In contrast, hikes like the picturesque Chapmans Peak from Noordhoek Beach and the stunning route to Kalk Bay Peak from Ou Kraal offer spectacular views of the ocean and mountains. All trails wind through the vibrant indigenous fynbos landscape.

Hiking in the South has been established to serve as a valuable resource for those looking to explore the diverse trails and natural beauty that Cape Town has to offer.

BYOB to Silent Book Club meet-up in Hout Bay

Silent Book Club Cape Town is gathering in Hout Bay for the first time. Grab your beach towel, your umbrella, and a good book, and join fellow readers on the beach for a fun read in the sun! Remember to BYOB (Bring Your Own Book).

Meet at the Sentinel Cafe, a Coffee for a Cause initiative of the Sentinel Ocean Alliance (SOA) that sits on Hout Bay beach. (Information supplied by Silent Book Club Cape Town)

What are you reading?

Books are like oxygen to me. I’m currently reading Finuala Dowling’s novel The Man Who Loved Crocodile Trainers, and, at the end of last year, I went to a small church hall in Muizenberg to listen to Finuala and her daughter read their Mother/Daughter poems.

Fires, floods, and forecasts

Tapping into this week’s climate change stories, we have fires continuing to flare all over the Cape, while in Limpopo, incessant rain has caused major floods, with some guests in the Kruger Park being evacuated by helicopter. In Australia, Sydney is flooded. Chile is burning.

I wonder how long our economies can absorb climate change disasters before taking action? I’m not an economist, but it doesn’t make economic sense to keep trying to absorb the costs of rebuilding after every climate disaster. And insurance companies stand to lose loads of money. So they’ve started employing climate scientists to advise them on what is a bad risk when it comes to insurance. Chilling stuff.

Fascinating fact of the week

Did you know an otter’s poop is called spraint? I thought it was scat but a reader of my previous newsletter (Clovelly walks, otter signs and fiery times) told me about spraint. Thank you! Learning all the time.

Share

I’ve lived in a lot of places, discovered green spaces, and found fellow greenies sharing our ecosystem. Sharing is caring, tribe. Corny, I know.

Currently living in Clovelly, Cape Town, within the Table Mountain National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Wandering along a path through the Lower Silvermine River wetland area that lies between Fish Hoek and Clovelly, I came across signs that I’d just missed an otter. Scat! It had a strong fishy odour, from the crustaceans otters eat. I’m not an otter expert but I’ve learnt what to look for from UCT Master’s student Emma Del Cuore. Emma has been assessing the prevalence of microplastics in the Cape clawless otter along a gradient of urbanisation on the Cape Peninsula, including the Silvermine River wetlands.

Repairing what’s broken

Last year I started walking around Clovelly’s streets, appreciating verges planted up with small succulents, and creative ways to curb the enthusiasm of unruly plants trying to push their way into the road.

I joined the Poison-Free Clovelly group, which has got together with other suburbs to call on the City of Cape Town not to spray herbicides on verge edges in Clovelly. This requires residents to maintain their verges up to and including the kerbside edges, where grass and weeds sometimes grow into the road surface.

When I set off on my morning walks around Clovelly, I rarely have a destination in mind. I like to wander along, picking a weed out of the kerbside here, a piece of litter left on the verge there, take photos of pretty things, and things that need fixing.

I’d been focused on the wetland area and restoration of the area disturbed by the Great Cable Moving saga. But then neighbour Martin Scholtz pointed out that the ramp that zig-zags down from Belvedere Road to Hilton Road was looking dodgy.

There were broken railings, potholes in the pathway, and wiry grass blocking the drainage channel at the side of the path. Martin asked me if I could do something about it. “I tried but didn’t have any success,” he said wearily.

Martin does a lot for the community (chairing Friends of Silvermine Nature Area), so I took up the challenge, and logged a request with the city’s Recreation and Parks department for repair of the railings in September 2025. A couple of weeks later, I noticed the railings had gone, and just before the holidays in December, they were reinstalled, shiny as new. I submitted another request asking for the potholes to be filled in and the grass in the gutter to be cleared. It was done the next day.

Do check out the newly refurbished ramp that takes you from Belvedere Close to Hilton Road, providing a shortcut to the wetland area.

It’s steep, but a whole lot safer now.

Climate change fuels fires flaring in Cape

There’s a Facebook group called Fire Watch. They published a map of fires in the Cape (see below). It’s terrifying to see how many fires there are.

I can try and avoid writing about it but the fires that have been burning since before New Year’s Eve in the Cape can’t be ignored. 2Oceansvibe reports Evacuations and road closures as devastating Eastern Cape wildfires rage on.

It’s the same in Victoria, Australia, and in Patagonia, reports Sky News, Wildfires sweep across parts of southern Argentina forcing thousands to flee.

The southern hemisphere is burning, and climate change is fuelling these fires. Climate scientists have explained it to us. We need to see the bigger picture and address our lack of preparedness for the devastating effects of climate change. Fire season starts earlier every year, there are more frequent fires that last for longer, and burn larger areas than previous years.

(See my November newsletter Cape of Fires is ablaze again)

Muizenberg beachfront refurbishment gets back to work

Construction on the Muizenberg Beachfront Refurbishment Project resumed on Monday, 12 January 2026.

Work will begin on the phased demolition of the existing ablution block. Initial activities will include setting up a safe enclosed work area (Image 1, below left). The temporary ablution facilities used over the festive season will remain open and will continue to serve as the main public toilets. These are located opposite the large western parking circle near the railway.

Please note that the temporary parking and pedestrian access route through the site to the St James Walkway was closed early on Monday morning to allow construction to resume.

Phase 2 will include the full demolition of the ablution block structure, which will require a larger portion of the promenade to be cordoned off (Image 2, above right). NGO buildings will remain in place but Shark Spotters and Waves for Change will be operating out of their new temporary premises on the beachfront. Work areas on the beach will also be extended soon as the project progresses.

Source: Muizenberg Beachfront Refurbishment Project on Facebook.

Children’s art classes at Creative Space Clovelly studio

Classes are up and running again at the Creative Space - Clovelly Studio, from Monday 12 January 2026. Artist Sasha Scholtz offers age-appropriate groups for children between the ages of 5 and 14, in an established home art studio. A range of media and techniques offered in a warm, nurturing and encouraging space. References are available. Please contact Sasha on 083 357 8232 to find out more.

See my newsletter Artists open studios in a celebration of creativity.

Share

I’ve lived in lots of places, discovered green spaces, and found fellow greenies sharing our ecosystem. Sharing is caring, tribe. Corny, I know.

Currently living in Clovelly, Cape Town, within the Table Mountain National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.