We see it happen so often. New residents arrive with a un-informed idea of what living in the Kogelberg Biosphere is all about. Houses pop up that make us groan in dismay at how inappropriate they are and how they have destroyed the fynbos. New owners face challenges when they begin to realise that they need to adjust to and live in a different “biosphere friendly” way.
The Overstrand Herald recently published this simple, informative and fun infographic. Sam Kimmel of Pringle Bay wrote the text and Deon of the Overstrand Herald developed the layout and graphics. This is version One. Sam says that there are some edits to do and we are discussing the option of having a version with Betty’s Bay on the signboard. The BBC hopes to include this is the “Welcome to Biosphere Living” booklet that they are developing.
PS! Two issues that are often raised by residents and that pertain to our living in a Biosphere:
- Lights: There have been a number of complaints about bright lights shining out at night, disturbing the sleep of nearby residents and scaring away the nocturnal wildlife. Please show consideration for both of the above by either leaving off your outside lights, especially once you have gone to bed, or by installing a-not-so-bright light that shines downwards to illuminate just your doorway!
2.Dogs being walked unleashed. Several people have been knocked off their feet when their dogs on leads have been approached by unleashed dogs – a painful and humiliating experience! And as you would have read in last month’s newsletter, the breeding success of our African oystercatchers was dismal this last season, due to a large extent the disturbance and destruction of their nests and fledglings by dogs running wildly on our beaches. It is not only our oystercatchers that are affected but also our mongooses, other birds and representatives of the animal kingdom.
We live in a biosphere. Let us all work together to make it a happy, safe place for humans and non-humans alike!
Image by John Hains
(Editor)