springside nature reserve

A start was made in October 1975 when volunteers planted 5000 indigenous trees and trails were laid out.  In July 1982 a group of residents backed by Hillcrest Town Board, mainly from Rotary and Lions Clubs, Scout Group, the Wildlife Society, Primary and High Schools, formed a Steering Committee to manage the Reserve.

A Constitution was adopted in 1987, detailing the management powers of the Committee as a sub-committee of Hillcrest Town Board.  The current Hillcrest Conservancy committee of volunteers, together with eThekwini Department of Natural Resources, continues to ensure the preservation of this valuable natural asset for all to enjoy..  

In 1994, the toilet block was built with assistance from the Rotary Club of Hillcrest and a Resource Centre was “kick-started” with a  donation from the Rotary Club of Hillcrest.  Building commenced in 1995 and was named the Kingfisher Centre, incorporating the Malachite Kingfisher from the Rotary Club of Hillcrest logo.

In 2005 the Analematic Sundial was built by the Rotary Club of Hillcrest to commemorate the Centennial milestone of Rotary International.