How we plan to build the Braamfontein Spruit Ecological Corridor
Well-meaning greening projects often face common pitfalls. Without a strategic plan, enthusiastic volunteers can accidentally introduce non-native plants, create hiding spots for crime, or plant patches that get accidentally mowed down by municipal workers.
We have adopted a 4-phase approach to create a long-term grassroots corridor building community. Lacking external resources, we have started this project off by rolling out very specific, strategic parts of the initial phases (planning and design), and we then focused most of our energy on citizen activation by launching this online platform. We are actively fundraising so that we can continue rolling out all of these phases.
Our Methodology Roadmap
We prioritised developing an Urban Citizen Corridor Plan, available online.
Typologies are under in development and an initial Delta Park Planting Plan has been designed.
Our website launched on May 27, 2026!
Under development
Phase 1: Planning First plan completed
We initiated our work by building an initial network of local partners, identifying high-priority intervention areas, and isolating a first set of charismatic "flagship" plant and animal species to champion.
Phase 2: Design Under Development
Translating ecological data into accessible visual tools. This includes city-level maps to prioritize corridor connectivity, alongside garden typologies—simple, beginner-friendly templates for household yards, balconies, wetlands, and roadside pathways.
Phase 3: Citizen Activation Current Platform Focus
We chose to launch this website early to kickstart this phase immediately. Rather than waiting to finish every phase sequentially, we prioritised activating our community. This platform allows us to recruit volunteers, share our completed Corridor Plan, and build the critical mass required to roll out other phases as resources allow.
Phase 4: Training & Implementation Under Development
To ensure the long-term survival of our planting sites, we are building specialised maintenance protocols. This includes training modules for gardeners, structural site-demarcation tactics to protect young plants from lawnmowers, and self-sustaining funding loops like plant sales and sponsored training.