GC4AXZ0 A Little Known Gem (Traditional Cache) in Western Cape, South Africa created by TonesB

This cache has been archived.

Knagur Green: Due to no response from the CO after the request to maintain or replace the cache, I am archiving it to, stop it showing on the listings and/or to create place for the geocaching community

If you feel that this cache has been archived in error please feel free to contact me via message or email quoting the GC number concerned

Thank you for understanding

Knagur Green
Groundspeak Volunteer Reviewer

GC4AXZ0 ▼

A cache by TonesB Message this owner

Hidden : 4/29/2013

Difficulty:

Terrain:

Size: Size: micro (micro)

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Geocache Description:

A nature reserve that no one knows about.

This is a little known oasis in the middle of what is now a residential area. In its heyday this was one of the premier horse racing venues in the Western Cape and the home of Milnerton Racecourse.

It is now known as the Milnerton Racecourse Nature Reserve and is managed by the City of Cape Town's Environmental Resource Management Department.

Though the racecourse is not used for races anymore, it is still used for the training and stabling of race horses.

Conservation Area
The conservation area is about 19ha in size. There are two small wetlands in the area, but during winter several more small temporary wetlands develop, providing habitat for more than 70 bird species. This is one of the most diverse habitats and there are 232 recorded plant species of which 12 have “Red Data” status. There is also a population of grysbok in the Northern and Southern parts of the reserve.

This area is probably best seen in winter and spring when it is green (although it can get marshy at these times). It is great all year round though to find some space, take a walk, and enjoy the views.

The Northern reserve had a controlled burn in 2012 to rejuvenate the fynbos and get rid of alien vegetation. Hopefully it will flourish again soon.
The Southern reserve is unfortunately not open to the public at the moment but this may change in future.

The stables and racecourse are to be redeveloped in future and the reserve management team are trying to ensure that there will be a suitable buffer zone created and hopefully additional land to enable access to the Southern reserve.

Notes
The reserve is family friendly but small children may find the stile a challenge.
Also keep an eye on small children near any water.
Unfortunately no dogs are allowed.
Please keep to the footpaths.

BYOP (bring your own pen / pencil).

Useful Links
Milnerton Racecourse Nature Reserve (Wikipedia)
royalascot.co.za
The history of Milnerton Racecourse

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

fznyy zntargvp pbagnvare

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)