The Bottom Road Sanctuary commenced in 2005 when Kelvin bought land in the Zeekoevlei area. It was originally an area which after many years of dumping, urbanization and poor land management became increasingly degraded. Mr Cochrane, in collaboration with the residents, nature conservationist and ‘Working for Wetlands’ programme created a thriving conservation sanctuary out of ‘Bottom Road’ garden
s. Rubble and alien vegetation was removed and replaced with various species of fynbos in their thousands, including the critically endangered Serruria species and Erica Verticllata. Constructed bomas, walkways and barbeque areas were an important addition, so as to allow people to enjoy, and appreciate the beautiful space. After gaining experience at ‘Bottom Road’ and other projects Kelvin and Cape Wetland Forum aimed at rehabilitating Princessvlei. This area is an important, but degraded wetland due to neglect and mismanagement during the apartheid era, until recently. Princessvlei has intense meaning and cultural significance and has served as a place where local ‘Coloured people have conducted baptisms for many years’. The area is also a historically relevant location with regards to the Khoi people. In 2008 ‘The Dressing of the Princess’ project was initiated as a tribute to the Khoi princess who was r***d and killed by European sailors 500 years ago and whose tears are said to have filled the Vlei. Kelvin was part of the rehabilitation along with various organisations, such as local schools, residents and citizens across Cape Town. Kelvin has spoken to pensioners, school children, nature lovers and the community at large and together they have come up with….The People’s Plan for restoring the Vlei
The People’s Plan shows that it is possible to develop the Vlei as a rehabilitated wetland and a safe place for commercial activities at a scale that can contribute to local small businesses. The improvement plan secures its status as a hub for start-ups and innovation. The goal is now to continue with its expansion in the right direction. A bridge will form between C.A.M.P.S and entrepreneurs and the resulting system is one that spans the gap between idea and actual product, fostering a collaborative process that begins with a concept and results in the tangible ex*****on of that concept. A long term relationship will be formed between C.A.M.P.S and the community that will unite groups under the umbrella of innovation and restoration. The improvement will add value to the area, as it improves the facility structure and lends itself to the Vlei being managed as an icon destination to visit in the Southern Suburbs. The concept is unique and is not done to the design standards we have anywhere in South Africa.
