The first Barn Swallows of Mt Moreland arrived on 29 September, 2008 and are now up to full numbers - + 3 million - and providing spectacular displays every evening. Swallow watchers need to get here by 5pm – latest 5.30 pm - to see the display and watch the swallows go down at 6.15pm. Times vary with the sunset. Traditionally November, December and March are the best viewing months although sunsets in January, February provide a better backdrop.  There is no entrance fee but there are  swallow booklets and memorabilia available. You need to bring chairs, drinks and snacks, anti mossie spray, binoculars. Toilets are available during viewing times over weekends and usually on weekdays.  

Due to popular demand from last swallow season the Lake Victoria Conservancy is organizing monthly swallow ringing demonstrations for the public this season. Booking is necessary as groups are limited to 25 people per session. The sessions start at 4pm with a talk from the trained ringers. Everyone then moves down to the reedbed to watch the nets being erected and the swallows coming in and being caught. Visitors return to the Gazebo for their picnic supper and then watch a ringing demonstration where each swallow is processed and ringed. The cost is R60 per person with an optional R20 for a certificate showing the ring number of one of the ringed swallows from that evening. In the event of that swallow being recaptured in the Northern Hemisphere the person with that number will be contacted. It will be very exciting event as it will be the first time we will know where the Mt Moreland barn swallows live and breed in the Northern Hemisphere.  Bookings can be made by telephoning Hilary or Ted Vickers 031 568 1671. Dates for ringing demonstrations(weather permitting) are as follows:- 

The Evolution One Fund, a 10-year private equity fund that focuses on investments in clean technology (cleantech) in the southern African region has raised R400-million from four core international investors to date, and is expected to grow to R1-billion by mid-2009.

The fund, managed by Cape Town-headquartered Inspired Evolution Investment Management, has secured the initial investment from the International Finance Corporation, Castleway Properties, the Swiss Investment Fund for Emerging Markets and the Finnish Fund for Industrial Cooperation.

Cleantech spans many industries, including clean energy generation, water purification, waste management and efficient production technology.

Inspired Evolution Investment Management executive director Zuko Kubukeli said that cleantech provided for opportunities across various sectors, enabling for more sustainable investments without foregoing the traditional returns of private equity.

Named “Joule”, the ultra sleek zero-emission car is Africa’s answer to climate change.

The car has been named after British physicist James Prescott Joule, who was best known for his research in electricity and thermodynamics.

Joule is a six-seater multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) designed by Optimal Energy in association with legendary South African-born automotive designer, Keith Helfet.

Optimal Energy, a privately-owned company based in Cape Town specialising in optimal solutions for urban transport, was capitalised with a R50 million investment from the Innovation Fund (IF), an instrument of the department.

Most people would object to further taxation, but what about taxes that aim to improve the environment?  Countries such as Australia and the United Kingdom already have such tax legislation in place.

The University of Pretoria is currently holding an online questionnaire for the purpose of determining the public’s opinion about environmental taxes and tax relief (incentives), with the foremost focus on Carbon Dioxide (CO2) emissions.

 Click here to participate in the questionnaire …