In line with the president’s easing of restrictions on exercising in green spaces, please find all you need to know about access to the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens and Melville Koppies:

Jhb Botanical Gardens has re-opened from 1 August.

Because of limited staff and to ensure that all safety measures are followed, only two entrances will be open: the main entrance on Olifants Road and the other entrance opposite Roosevelt Park High School in Thomas Bowler Avenue.

In order to enjoy this wonderful space, visitors to the park must comply with these regulations:

1. Wear a mask in public spaces at all times.
2. Practice social distancing of a minimum of 3 metres apart.
3. Picnics, events or gatherings are strictly prohibited.
4. Ensure that hands are washed and sanitized prior to entering a city parks facility.
5. Exercise only with persons within your household which is limited to a maximum of 5 people in a group.
6. Refrain from using the ablution facilities and the playgrounds.
7. Remind children that the use of the gym and play equipment is prohibited.
8. Take all disposables home, including empty bottles and paper cups.
9. Leave all valuables at home to avoid opportunistic crime.
10. Abide by the public open spaces by-laws in place.
11. Dogs must be on a lead, only two dogs per person and dog walkers must pick up after their dogs.

Melville Koppies Central to open on Sunday mornings from 9 August

Melville Koppies Central (entrance opposite Marks Park entrance;  park at Marks Park) on August  9, 16, 23 and 30 will be open between 8am and 11.30am. Because of Covid-19 there will be no guided tours or hikes. Instead you will be given a map and you can then self-guide yourselves in your family group through the very special nature reserve and heritage site that also has geological, botanical and animal treasures. Guides and security will be on duty. (No dogs allowed)

To limit numbers and keep social distancing, booking with pre-payment essential – R80 for adults, R40 per child. Masks must be worn at all times. Booking with wendavid@mweb.co.za or phone +27 11 482 4797

Note: Melville Koppies is in dire need of financial help. It relies on guided tours and hikes to raise the R22 000 a month to pay its five conservation workers. Since lockdown, there have been no guided tours or hikes but the committee has continued to pay its conservation workers who keep the Koppies clean and clear of weeds and invasive alien plants ensuring that the adjacent properties on the Emmarentia Ridge retain their value. There are three ways you can help:

• Go and explore the koppies on Sunday mornings (details above)
• Donate any old clothes, books, etc to Junkie in Melville and say you want Melville Koppies to benefit. A percentage of the sales will go to Melville Koppies
• Donate direct to Melville Koppies – Nedbank, A/c 1581017421, Branch code - 15810500
• Add Melville Koppies to your beneficiaries on your My School card.

Thank you to Emmarentia Residents Association for sharing this information with us.