Nature

Places to engage with the natural environment in a sustainable way. Cape Town is one of a handful of sites around the world that includes a National Park within its city limits. Aside from our iconic mountain, there are also the City’s 24 nature reserves and a fantastic coastline to explore.

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Amphibian Habitat

Area that is a good viewing site for frogs, and other amphibious species, which are indicators of a pond or wetland's health status.
May include any kind of terrestrial ecosystem with amphibians.

Aquatic Habitat

Includes fresh and saltwater ecosystems, and the many kinds of wildlife that flourish in the marine environment.

Bird & Wildlife Watching

Place to view animals in the wild. Officially recognised or locally-known sites could be accompanied by guidelines for viewing without harm, and details on the species you might see. Don't indicate delicate nesting areas or endangered habitats, it's better to point to organisations or wildlife centres to help protect animals.

Camping

Area set aside for sleeping outdoors, using tents or other camping equipment. Care is needed not to destroy the surrounding vegetation, waterways, habitat or wilderness.

Canoe / Kayak Site

Boathouse, dock, ramp, rental shop or other site where you can launch a small human-powered boat into a body of water.

Coastal Habitat

Places along the water's edge where wildlife congregates. Wildlife may be in or above the water, on the shore or on adjacent land.
Sensitivity to delicate habitats should be exercised.

Community Garden

Often planted on public or formerly abandoned land, community gardens are run by volunteers who cultivate vegetables and flowers, closer relationships to nature and one another. Sometimes fenced and locked or threatened by development, but generally open to all participants, raising the quality of life in the community, and improving air and soil quality at the same time. Offers hands-on learning and a habitat for birds and insects, too.

Eco-Design / Planning Feature

Exciting design features including public transport stations, plazas, integrated native plantings and street furniture such as kiosks, benches, fountains, or lighting that use materials and energy efficiently, contributing to the streetscape.
Can indicate an area planned for ecological soundness or where sustainable infrastructure guidelines have been utilised.

Eco-Tour / Nature Walk

Marks the beginning of a hiking trail, guided tour starting point or an interesting walk you have made using a (dotted) line to encourage exploration. Maps, signage and information may be found here.

Garden

Gardens that are maintained by public agencies or organisations instead of the community. Public gardens may be large or small, indoors or outdoors.
You can indicate types of species in the garden, pesticide use or entrance fees.

Indigenous Plants

Flora that is indigenous in the region, sometimes called old growth, heirloom or indigenous species. Native species requires less water and care than exotic imports, and usually attract more birds, bees and butterflies, and help the cycle of life stay in balance.

Nurserys that sell as well as provide valuable information about indigenous flora.

Natural Corridor / Green Belt

Often follows along a river or streambed, ravine or steep hill, disused rail bed or roadway. May indicate a wildlife corridor for land animals that is left in a natural state, with native plants to shelter them. Often have paths for running, cycling, skating, etc.

Nature Reserve / Natural Area

Nature Reserves, National Parks, Regional Parks, other parks and public forests. May also be used for private land that has been set aside for conservation, too.

Park / Recreation Area

Green space that offers a place to relax and play outdoors. May include picnicking, sports fields, running paths, canoe rental, or workout/play equipment, along with diverse vegetation and a pond, creek or other water feature. Some parklands are publicly-owned and free; others might charge admission. Note: you can indicate if there is a fee, information or equipment centre.

Scenic Vista

Favourite places to see what makes the community’s environment special. Think broadly about these sites and protecting the ‘viewshed’.

Spring Blossoms

Natural or cultivated flowers or flowering trees are especially beautiful and bountiful in this area.

Waterfront / Riverside Park

Place where you can relax, walk or ride along and play by the water (includes water bodies of all types).

May include a beach; swimming and wading may be possible.

Wetlands

A wetland is an area of land whose soil is saturated with moisture either permanently or seasonally. Such areas may also be covered partially or completely by shallow pools of water. Wetlands include swamps, marshes, and bogs. In South Africa many wetlands are known as "vlei's". The water found in wetlands can be saltwater, freshwater, or brackish.

Wetlands are considered the most biologically diverse of all ecosystems and should be preserved from environmental danger.

Wildlife Centre / Zoo

Where injured or orphaned wild animals are nursed back to health before they are returned to the wild.

Zoos, wildlife centres and breeding programmes, local and global wildlife organisations, volunteer programmes and schools are included.

Wildlife Habitat

Native environment for animals and the plants that sustain them.
Can represent native natural environments, or protected areas such as park reserves where larger animals and other wildlife can be found.

Nature

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