Some years ago, I remember people asking the then Chairperson “What is the conservancy going to do about ………….?” His response would always be: “The Conservancy is AN AREA not a person and therefore cannot DO anything, but the COMMUNITY CAN…..” This sentiment is borne out by the Cambridge Dictionary with its definition of a conservancy: ‘An area of land kept in its natural state, especially for wild animals and plants to live in and be protected.’
Our little coastal village of Pennington is such an area. We are so very lucky to have, within very close proximity, ocean, forests, rivers & estuaries, grasslands, wetlands and some very interesting flora and fauna all worthy of our protection and that is essentially what the Pennington Conservancy Committee attempts to do with the help of volunteers. We are fortunate in that we have some very committed, enthusiastic and knowledgeable Community members who help us in achieving, arguably, one of our main objectives: ‘To protect, manage and improve the environment through the application of sound conservation practices, including the eradication of alien vegetation, the removal of snares and the creation and maintenance of trails.’
We have a few community and environmental projects that will always be at the forefront of our activities: -
Removal of snares in conjunction with Snare Aware;
The Beach Café @ Impithi.
Recycling
These projects are discussed in more detail below, to give you an idea of what is involved and perhaps encourage you to join us in beautifying and indigenising our village, as well as preserving the natural environment of coastal and riverine forest, bush and grasslands
Do not hesitate to contact us. should you wish to support the Pennington Conservancy by becoming involved in any of these projects and / or join the Conservancy, Alternatively, you can complete the membership application at the foot of this page and we will contact you.
Phone: ++27 66 371 5631 Email: penningtonconservancy@gmail.com For all the latest news, please visit our Facebook Page Visit us: The Beach Café at Imphiti
Join Us
Please join us, to support our many projects for preserving and promoting the flora and fauna of Pennington
Nkomba
The Nkomba River gently curves and sways through lush forests, and with a final sweep flows into the ocean. The Nkomba Site of Conservation Significance was once a dumpsite. Today, trails through coastal forest are maintained by the Conservancy and the area abounds with bird and animal life. Beautiful indigenous trees, planted by local pioneers of conservation, now provide perfect places to enjoy the tranquillity of the area. Various trails meander through the forest and along the banks of the river. Enjoy a short walk to the bird hide or, if you are a little more energetic, use the little punt to cross the river and enjoy the lovely Makamati trail through the village. Map to Nkomba
Projects
Pennington Conservancy is involved in driving and coordinating many projects and activities within the community.
Some are continuous and ongoing (for example, Recycling and the Nkomba Trails, Flora and Fauna) whereas others are once off and run for a limited period of time.
New activities include rebuilding the recycling depot with 2 litre eco bricks, providing assistance with replacing exotic plants and trees with indigenous ones and promoting the growing and use of organic vegetables.