Fynbos Lane Project Launched in Pringle Bay: A Boost for Sustainability and Tourism

Report by SSMA/Fanie Krige (story), Roline Campher (photos), and Carel Laubscher (photos)

Pringle Bay is set to enhance its natural charm with the launch of picturesque fynbos walkways. These paths will connect the town centre with the community hall at the village entrance, extending to Brodie's Link.

A dedicated group of volunteers, led by Carel Laubscher and David Lees-Rolfe, has completed the first phase of this project, creating a pedestrian-friendly pathway from the community hall to the town centre. Removing invasive plants has revealed the beauty of the existing fynbos, promising a scenic experience for locals and visitors.

The first section of the footpath was officially opened on Saturday, 16 November 2024. The event saw enthusiastic hikers gathering to witness Pringle Bay Ratepayers' Association (PBRA) chairman Gert Bam ceremonially cut the ribbon, after which attendees eagerly took to the new path. The PBRA provided refreshments, adding a touch of community spirit to the celebration.

In his speech, Carel Laubscher highlighted the project's aim to create a pedestrian pathway network connecting significant locations within Pringle Bay while preserving the unique fynbos along Hangklip Road. This initiative is a crucial part of the Pringle Bay Strategic Framework, adopted in 2023, which focuses on creating a sustainable, livable village and becoming an exemplary eco-village.

Sustainability Efforts

The PBRA's commitment to sustainability includes:

• Identifying and protecting significant fynbos species.

• Removing invasive alien species such as pine trees and Australian myrtle.

• Managing overgrown indigenous species like Taaibos.

• Eliminating dead plant material to reduce fire risk.

• Keeping the area free of rubbish.

• Enabling close interaction with fynbos to foster local appreciation.

Carel emphasized that the footpath has been designed to wind around and highlight significant fynbos plants, maintaining a narrow width of less than 1 meter to minimize impact on the vegetation. This approach balances the creation of an enduring, livable village with active fynbos conservation, ensuring that development does not come at the expense of the area's natural heritage.

Impact on Tourism

The Fynbos Lane project will enhance Pringle Bay's appeal to eco-tourists and nature enthusiasts. By offering a well-maintained and scenic route through the village's unique fynbos landscape, the project invites visitors to explore and appreciate the area's natural beauty. This increased foot traffic can boost local businesses, encouraging sustainable tourism that benefits the entire community.

Community Involvement

The initiative has also seen strong community involvement. Volunteers like Tim Harris, Keith Andersen, Peter Little, Pat Little, Peter Molchin, Petro van Staden, David Lees-Rolfe, Louw Toerien, Karin Toerien, Leendert Pieterse, Colin Lewis, and Stefan van Aswegen have been instrumental in the project's success.

Additionally, Roline Campher and her Litter-Free Group showcased their efforts by displaying approximately 10 bags of garbage collected on Thursday, 14 November. The Pringle Bay Litter-Free Project began in June 2023 and has been crucial in maintaining the village's cleanliness, with volunteers meeting every second Thursday. This includes the youngest helper, who celebrated her 5th birthday while participating in the cleanup.

The next phase aims to keep the entire village litter-free, with biodegradable bags available at the community hall for residents to use during their walks. A fun competition will also be held, where participants can showcase their efforts at the next meet-up on December 12th at the Fire Station, with a chance to win a coffee and cake for two at a local restaurant.

"Every little bit helps," says Roline. "So grab a bag, enjoy the fresh air, and make a difference, one piece of litter at a time!"

By combining sustainability with community spirit, the Fynbos Lane project is set to become a cornerstone of Pringle Bay's identity, enhancing its appeal as a livable village and a tourist destination.

ABOUT PRINGLE BAY

Pringle Bay is a charming coastal village in the Overberg region of the Western Cape, South Africa. Nestled at the foot of Hangklip Mountain, it is part of the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The village is known for its pristine beaches, stunning mountain views, and rich biodiversity, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and eco-tourists.

The area is surrounded by mountains on three sides and overlooks the ocean with Cape Point in the distance. Pringle Bay is renowned for its clean, unpolluted air and beautiful flora, which is part of the Sixth Floral Kingdom of the planet. The village offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, bird watching, and exploring the numerous rock pools and crevices along the beach.

Pringle Bay's main beach is rarely crowded, even during peak holiday seasons, and features a small lagoon with clear, warm water where the Buffels River enters the sea. The village is also known for its vibrant community and low crime rate, making it a safe and welcoming place for both residents and visitors.

For more detailed information, you can visit the following links:

• Wikipedia Pringle Bay - Wikipedia

• Pringle Bay Properties PRINGLE BAY – Pringle Bay Properties, Information, Houses for Sale

• Overberg Info Pringle Bay Travel Information