Milnerton Racecourse Nature Reserve
Kikuyu Encroachment into the Nature Reserve
The encroachment of Kikuyu grass, Pennisetum clandestinum, into the nature reserve is a matter of considerable concern to environmentalists. Kikuyu is highly invasive and will only increase pressure on the several endangered plant species in the reserve.
Below is information dated 26 March 2009 sent to all residential precincts bordering the Milnerton Racecourse Nature Reserve.
Control of Kikuyu grass.
With regards to the encroachment of Kikuyu Grass into the Nature Reserve the following points need to be raised:
•	An objective of the Nature Reserve Management Plan is to remove alien species and promote indigenous species.
•	Landscaping requirements were set for all developments abutting the Nature Reserve that aligned to this vision. Only indigenous plant material was permitted to be used in the landscaping of any of these developments. In the case of Sandown Crescent, only plant material collected from within the Nature Reserve was permitted for use within the development because of its location between the northern & southern portions of the Nature Reserve, and the fact that permeable fencing was utilised on the perimeters.
•	Maintenance of landscaped areas MUST include the removal of all alien plant species, to ensure that no escapes into the Nature Reserve occur.
•	The control of Kikuyu grass is indeed a difficult task and regular maintenance will be necessary to effectively control the issue. The following outlines possible control methods:
Suggestions for Kikuyu eradication in Landscaped Areas • Manually remove where possible • Focus-Ultra is a relatively new grass specific herbicide that is proving to be effective. It should not significantly affect other plants that are accidentally sprayed. • Care MUST be undertaken when utilising any herbicide products in or near wetland areas. Spraying should only be undertaken during dry summer months. • Spraying should only be undertaken on sunny wind free days to avoid dispersion by wind or water. • Regular maintenance (treatment & removal of dead material) is the key to achieving any measure of success.
Contact
If you require any further assistance please feel free to contact us on the contact details given below. Site visits with individual Developments & their maintenance staff can also be arranged if required.
Mandy Noffke Wetland Solutions Tel: 021 _785 6871 Email: pibalance@envirosolutions.co.za