
Then in 2007 a funding boost came from the African Conservation Trust. Today you will find an admittedly rather ramshackle-looking but thriving earthworm farm, permaculture unit, nursery, and of course the butterfly house itself.
A smiling Prince Tshaka greets us and shows us around. We learn that these guys have taught 37 schools in the surrounding district not to cut down shrubs and trees that are hosts for butterflies. They have also helped them to create organic vegetable gardens to feed their communities.
He confidently spews out the Latin names of the various host plants we find eggs or caterpillars on, confounding us with his grasp of names we can't remember even five minutes later. Fizzing with enthusiasm and an obvious passion for his subject, he explains that each butterfly is very particular, choosing a specific species of plant to lay its eggs on.
If you’re in the area, make time to stop and find out about this valuable and interesting project that aims both to uplift the local community and conserve butterfly habitat. You’ll learn some things to put into practice in your own garden, and the kids will love the butterflies and caterpillars. The tour costs R35 per adult and R15 for kids under 16.
In my next blog, some weird and wacky facts about butterflies.
Copyright © Roxanne Reid - No words or photographs on this site may be used without permission from roxannereid.co.za