Home to mongooses, rare trees and part of D’Moss, DCC is mo

DURBAN Country Club (DCC) has been through rough financial times in the recent past, but a number of successful new management plans have been implemented while other ideas are still under consideration in order to sustain its financial viability.

One of the possible projects being considered is the rezoning of a 2.6 hectares of the Beachwood section of the club for residential use. The application for planning permission in compliance with the Planning and Development Act has been lodged with eThekwini Municipality and, should the rezoning be granted, the DCC Board and Trust believe it would greatly enhance the value of Beachwood.

However, while environmental approval has been successful, chief executive Pascale van Maris gave a reassurance that, despite rumours, no decisions regarding the sale or development of the property would be made without the authority of DCC club members at a special general meeting.

Both DCC and Beachwood form part of the D’Moss (Durban Metropolitan Open Space System) and are thus extremely valuable botanically as well as being renowned golf courses.

Many environmental enhancements have also been undertaken by the DCC, all adding value to the properties. With such a beautiful surrounding, the possibility of a residential development at Beachwood could add to the long-term financial success of the DCC.

David Henry, a member of the DCC’s conservation committee for almost 20 years, believes that Beachwood and the DCC are not just golf courses, but are also rare representatives of the diminished natural habitat in Durban that has increasingly important roles as reservoirs of biodiversity.

The elimination of category one alien plants, in particular the casuarinas, has allowed the natural bush to thrive in the nonplaying areas of the course, increasing the variety and proliferation of bird life, and mongooses can even find cover between the fairways.

Increased planting has taken place where Casuarinas have been removed, and in other areas, natural succession has taken over.

“Practically, in the evenings, the DCC represents one of the best parks in Durban and a stroll in the ‘gloaming’ will be rewarded by the sighting of birds and animals in the relaxed atmosphere,” said Henry.

“There are magnificent