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Betty's Bay is part of a biosphere, or nature reserve. Preserving it as such means that the majority of its human inhabitants have to strive to keep it in as natural state. We have to co-exist with nature, and not dominate it with our attitude and physical presence. We have to respect nature and acknowledge it for what it is: the home without which we would not only be homeless, but extinct, just like we are forcing so many species of animals and birds into extinction.
The Kogel Bay Reserve coastal belt is host to unique flaura and fauna, eradicating any segment of it has a major impact on the health of the ecosystem. Bettys Bay has not suffered complete urbanization that destroys not only its natural beauty but its natural health as an ecosystem.
The many residents and visitors that appreciate the natural aspect of Bettys Bay should protect what they love with passion and by setting and communicating an example to others, educating those who has not develop sensitivity to nature with compassion. Find a middle way to promote your cause and make a difference, over zealous activism goes nowhere, so does complacency.
A few thoughts on:
Fynbos, lawns and saving water …
fynbos preserves the natural look and health of the biosphere, feeds its birds and animals
and needs no extra watering.
Avoid introducing non-indigenous plants at the cost of the indigenous.
Fences ...
prevents the free movement of animals
Lights ...
with to many of them you cannot see the stars, and night animals will stay away from the area.
Let us preserve Betty's Bay's starry night sky,
no need for our houses to be lighthouse beacons!
Keep outside lights shining down as far as possible
- even a small unprotected light can shine very far
and spoil your neighbours enjoyment of time away from the city.
Suggestion: use a security light with movement sensor.
Fences and walls ...
– do we really need it? Can it be minimized?
Fense or wall sensibly and without closing your entire property from the surrounding nature.
Many kinds of animals need to move between habitats, i.e. from the coast to the mountain,
do not block their way with fences and walls all the way around your property.
Animals ...
walk your dog with sensitivity to nesting birds, feeding otters etc.
they were here first, and has the right of way
- don't introduce cats, dogs or birds at the cost of a local animal.
Do we want to create another suburbia?
Let's consider the natural alternatives!