See below for our advice on baboon proofing your home. Very important that you get the special baboon-proof trellidoors (they have 7cm gaps only) and the same for burglar bars. Sliding doors need stays and to be heavy enough not to be lifted out. The baboons can access your home through the standard ones. Also your sliding doors need to be fitted with a track guard. Your architect if designing a new home should make provision for you to be able to park and take your groceries in without going outside if possible. And avoid having gutters vulnerable to becoming a jungle gym for youngsters!
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Summary: Regulations and Guidelines applicable to Owners and Builders in ecologically sensitive areas.
You need to ensure that your contractors are aware of your requirements and the special challenges of the area.
Access to sun (tip: try to ensure some north or north-west facing windows), protection from wind (tip: protection from south-east for a place to sit outside and for your roof), from baboons (see below and the Baboon page for ideas)
and in reducing impact on the fynbos (see below).
First some of the regulations and guidelines specifically relevant to conservation. A full set of guidelines is available from the Municipal offices.
1.Environmental Protection
Before clearing, it is advisable for the owner to obtain advice from authoritative sources, (a Conservancy committee member/ Harold Porter Gardens/ Conservation officers, etc.) - before construction commences - so that plants can be rescued and either subsequently replanted or translocated to other plots or road verges.
Please do not clear the entire erf of vegetation. Not only is coastal fynbos slow-growing, but it is becoming increasingly threatened by development and it is against regulations to clear the entire erf .
Storage of building material, rubble and work platforms is best restricted to an area that will subsequently be a garage or driveway. Road verges may not be used for this purpose. You will find it very hard to regrow on areas where rubble lies for a long time.
By law, certain protected species may not be pruned, defaced or removed e.g. white milkwood (Siederoxylon inerme). Other species may be red-data listed – get advice to avoid prosecutions. Ensure the builders know they should avoid damaging rocks and natural outcrops outside the building’s footprint.
Contractors are responsible for taking all the necessary precautions to protect on and off site vegetation – especially that on the road verge and neighbouring properties. All fill material imported into the area should be obtained from a source which ensures that it is free of weeds and invasive plants/seeds. Contractors are responsible for ensuring the quality of the fill they use.
2.Excavation and demolition and building stockpiles
Topsoil should be stockpiled and conserved for rehabilitation after building is complete and needs to be protected from the wind. All other excavated material and rubble must be disposed of at approved sites only.
No explosives can be used without all the necessary approvals.
Building materials must not be stockpiled on the road verge, nor in a way that threatens people or animals or obstructs a road.
3.Waste and pollution control and water management
To prevent poisoning ground water and vegetation, all liquid or semi-liquid wastes (cement-contaminated water, paint, oil, fuel, chemicals, cement slurries etc.) need to be securely contained and disposed at approved sites. No chemicals (cement, colorants, acids, retardants etc.) can be allowed to run off the site into surrounding vegetation. Contractors will be held responsible and restitution and rehabilitation and fines will be imposed on offenders.
Rain run-off from the site must be channeled in a way that avoids accidental pollution or soil erosion.
All refuse (such as cement bags, wire and plastic-webbing, food remains, food containers, cans, bottles, plastic and paper etc.) is to be contained in wind and scavenger-proof containers. Contractors will be subject to all normal ‘littering fines’ applicable to the area. (Plastic pollution kills many species of sea life. Food waste attracts baboons, scavengers and vermin. Cement dust poisons plants and ground water.)
There are various other regulations that are specific to our eco-sensitive areas and it is important for the owner to be aware of these to ensure the appointed contractor is operating within the law and adhering to guidelines.
Some recommendations of our own:
Baboon-proofing your home (see more information on Baboon page)
From our collective experiences with baboon “hits”, we strongly recommend that this forms an integral part of your building plans.
All opening windows must be secured with window catches at both ends of the opening edge. Baboons wedge the unsecured side open until the frame bends or the glass breaks. Ensure that your builder installs glass panes according to building requirements, e.g. 3mm glass only on windows smaller than 250x250mm.
All opening windows and trellidoors/shutters etc need to be fitted with bars that are no more than 7cm apart.
All sliding doors should be fitted with a track guard so that doors cannot be lifted off their rails. Remember that no window or door can ever be left open, even if you are in the immediate vicinity. Plan for shutters or design some form of screen that keeps baboons out when doors are open to facilitate air flow. Bars/trellidor uprights should not be more than 7cm apart.
If building from scratch, install aluminium window frames rather than wood. Baboons chew at deteriorating wooden frames and gain access.
Electric fencing has met with mixed success. Baboons learn to vault over these wires and still manage to gain access to these homes. We would suggest you speak to some home owners who have employed this method before installing yourself. It can be more effective on the home than on a perimeter fence. Also if you do install a fence on your property - please ensure that it does not surround your entire Erf but allows for through movement of wildlife to pass by and smaller animals to pass through.
Baboons love playing on gutters. New homes should be designed with concealed gutters and down pipes. Brackets on existing guttering should not be further than 300mm apart.
Exposed plumbing, basins, showers, etc. must be properly secured with extra brackets.
Fit TV antennas inside rather than on the roof. The arms of satellite dishes should be fitted with barbed wire.
When planning a house, avoid outside sills and ledges which offer purchase to baboons.
Install round door knobs on outside doors as the baboons dont yet open these.
Baboon-proofing includes making provision for secure storage of refuse. Municipality collects weekly on a Monday, bags must, by law, be in secure baboon-proof bins. Take your recycling in a clear plastic bag to the Pringle Bay waste station near the entrance (or to Gordon's Bay).
Living sustainably
A recent study and projection of local water supply and demand indicates that within four or five years our water supply will no longer be sufficient to supply our needs. Installing water tanks would go a long way to ensuring that you enjoy a sustainable water supply into the future.
We are all well aware of the benefits of solar heating. Making provision for this option in one’s building plans would simplify installation.
Preventing unnecessary damage to plot and rehabilitation
Fynbos takes a long time to re-establish, so it is strongly recommended that builders be required to erect temporary fencing to limit movement of workers and damage to the plot. This fencing would also help contain the litter generated by the building operations.
When building on a steep slope, rehabilitation is essential and more difficult. We recommend that rehabilitation of the slope be started simultaneously with the building operations. This would give the fynbos a year head start. Consultation with a local fynbos gardening expert is advised.
Fencing of properties
The ideal for a natural environment like that of Rooiels is that no properties be fenced or walled. This ensures that we retain our seed banks, the natural ambiance of Rooiels and would allow for the free flow of wildlife and also provides escape routes, should these animals be threatened by dogs. Dog owners should erect a small fenced compound for their dogs which does not stretch to the boundary of the erf. That way there is still room for the small animals to roam your erf and helps to retain the natural character of Rooiels.
Electrified boundary fences are also not recommended. They have proven to be ineffectual in keeping the baboons out, but result in injuries to wildlife. There are specialists that can assist with upper floor electric fencing - but the baboons are clever so you need an expert with local knowledge to assist.
Potential light pollution
This is the one area of pollution that is within our power to control. Sensitive placement of lights, internal and external, can spare you endless problems later on. The by-law stipulates that light may not spill beyond the boundary of your plot. Basically this means that the light source itself should not be visible beyond your plot boundary. Even light fittings with shades can be offensive if they are placed too high against the wall, leaving the light source itself visible or if the shades are too light in colour. Remember that there is no ambient light to absorb that light as would happen in a city.
Outside lights can be fitted at knee height or if the plot is elevated, they can point upwards rather than downwards where they would be visible to plots below you. Or best of all - fit sensor lights that only come on when there is movement.
This is the most common source of irritation and strife between property owners in a dark night environment like ours.
Once a light has been fitted, it will be used. So, don’t let it happen – prevention is best.
You need to ensure that your contractors are aware of your requirements and the special challenges of the area.
Access to sun (tip: try to ensure some north or north-west facing windows), protection from wind (tip: protection from south-east for a place to sit outside and for your roof), from baboons (see below and the Baboon page for ideas)
and in reducing impact on the fynbos (see below).
First some of the regulations and guidelines specifically relevant to conservation. A full set of guidelines is available from the Municipal offices.
1.Environmental Protection
Before clearing, it is advisable for the owner to obtain advice from authoritative sources, (a Conservancy committee member/ Harold Porter Gardens/ Conservation officers, etc.) - before construction commences - so that plants can be rescued and either subsequently replanted or translocated to other plots or road verges.
Please do not clear the entire erf of vegetation. Not only is coastal fynbos slow-growing, but it is becoming increasingly threatened by development and it is against regulations to clear the entire erf .
Storage of building material, rubble and work platforms is best restricted to an area that will subsequently be a garage or driveway. Road verges may not be used for this purpose. You will find it very hard to regrow on areas where rubble lies for a long time.
By law, certain protected species may not be pruned, defaced or removed e.g. white milkwood (Siederoxylon inerme). Other species may be red-data listed – get advice to avoid prosecutions. Ensure the builders know they should avoid damaging rocks and natural outcrops outside the building’s footprint.
Contractors are responsible for taking all the necessary precautions to protect on and off site vegetation – especially that on the road verge and neighbouring properties. All fill material imported into the area should be obtained from a source which ensures that it is free of weeds and invasive plants/seeds. Contractors are responsible for ensuring the quality of the fill they use.
2.Excavation and demolition and building stockpiles
Topsoil should be stockpiled and conserved for rehabilitation after building is complete and needs to be protected from the wind. All other excavated material and rubble must be disposed of at approved sites only.
No explosives can be used without all the necessary approvals.
Building materials must not be stockpiled on the road verge, nor in a way that threatens people or animals or obstructs a road.
3.Waste and pollution control and water management
To prevent poisoning ground water and vegetation, all liquid or semi-liquid wastes (cement-contaminated water, paint, oil, fuel, chemicals, cement slurries etc.) need to be securely contained and disposed at approved sites. No chemicals (cement, colorants, acids, retardants etc.) can be allowed to run off the site into surrounding vegetation. Contractors will be held responsible and restitution and rehabilitation and fines will be imposed on offenders.
Rain run-off from the site must be channeled in a way that avoids accidental pollution or soil erosion.
All refuse (such as cement bags, wire and plastic-webbing, food remains, food containers, cans, bottles, plastic and paper etc.) is to be contained in wind and scavenger-proof containers. Contractors will be subject to all normal ‘littering fines’ applicable to the area. (Plastic pollution kills many species of sea life. Food waste attracts baboons, scavengers and vermin. Cement dust poisons plants and ground water.)
There are various other regulations that are specific to our eco-sensitive areas and it is important for the owner to be aware of these to ensure the appointed contractor is operating within the law and adhering to guidelines.
Some recommendations of our own:
Baboon-proofing your home (see more information on Baboon page)
From our collective experiences with baboon “hits”, we strongly recommend that this forms an integral part of your building plans.
All opening windows must be secured with window catches at both ends of the opening edge. Baboons wedge the unsecured side open until the frame bends or the glass breaks. Ensure that your builder installs glass panes according to building requirements, e.g. 3mm glass only on windows smaller than 250x250mm.
All opening windows and trellidoors/shutters etc need to be fitted with bars that are no more than 7cm apart.
All sliding doors should be fitted with a track guard so that doors cannot be lifted off their rails. Remember that no window or door can ever be left open, even if you are in the immediate vicinity. Plan for shutters or design some form of screen that keeps baboons out when doors are open to facilitate air flow. Bars/trellidor uprights should not be more than 7cm apart.
If building from scratch, install aluminium window frames rather than wood. Baboons chew at deteriorating wooden frames and gain access.
Electric fencing has met with mixed success. Baboons learn to vault over these wires and still manage to gain access to these homes. We would suggest you speak to some home owners who have employed this method before installing yourself. It can be more effective on the home than on a perimeter fence. Also if you do install a fence on your property - please ensure that it does not surround your entire Erf but allows for through movement of wildlife to pass by and smaller animals to pass through.
Baboons love playing on gutters. New homes should be designed with concealed gutters and down pipes. Brackets on existing guttering should not be further than 300mm apart.
Exposed plumbing, basins, showers, etc. must be properly secured with extra brackets.
Fit TV antennas inside rather than on the roof. The arms of satellite dishes should be fitted with barbed wire.
When planning a house, avoid outside sills and ledges which offer purchase to baboons.
Install round door knobs on outside doors as the baboons dont yet open these.
Baboon-proofing includes making provision for secure storage of refuse. Municipality collects weekly on a Monday, bags must, by law, be in secure baboon-proof bins. Take your recycling in a clear plastic bag to the Pringle Bay waste station near the entrance (or to Gordon's Bay).
Living sustainably
A recent study and projection of local water supply and demand indicates that within four or five years our water supply will no longer be sufficient to supply our needs. Installing water tanks would go a long way to ensuring that you enjoy a sustainable water supply into the future.
We are all well aware of the benefits of solar heating. Making provision for this option in one’s building plans would simplify installation.
Preventing unnecessary damage to plot and rehabilitation
Fynbos takes a long time to re-establish, so it is strongly recommended that builders be required to erect temporary fencing to limit movement of workers and damage to the plot. This fencing would also help contain the litter generated by the building operations.
When building on a steep slope, rehabilitation is essential and more difficult. We recommend that rehabilitation of the slope be started simultaneously with the building operations. This would give the fynbos a year head start. Consultation with a local fynbos gardening expert is advised.
Fencing of properties
The ideal for a natural environment like that of Rooiels is that no properties be fenced or walled. This ensures that we retain our seed banks, the natural ambiance of Rooiels and would allow for the free flow of wildlife and also provides escape routes, should these animals be threatened by dogs. Dog owners should erect a small fenced compound for their dogs which does not stretch to the boundary of the erf. That way there is still room for the small animals to roam your erf and helps to retain the natural character of Rooiels.
Electrified boundary fences are also not recommended. They have proven to be ineffectual in keeping the baboons out, but result in injuries to wildlife. There are specialists that can assist with upper floor electric fencing - but the baboons are clever so you need an expert with local knowledge to assist.
Potential light pollution
This is the one area of pollution that is within our power to control. Sensitive placement of lights, internal and external, can spare you endless problems later on. The by-law stipulates that light may not spill beyond the boundary of your plot. Basically this means that the light source itself should not be visible beyond your plot boundary. Even light fittings with shades can be offensive if they are placed too high against the wall, leaving the light source itself visible or if the shades are too light in colour. Remember that there is no ambient light to absorb that light as would happen in a city.
Outside lights can be fitted at knee height or if the plot is elevated, they can point upwards rather than downwards where they would be visible to plots below you. Or best of all - fit sensor lights that only come on when there is movement.
This is the most common source of irritation and strife between property owners in a dark night environment like ours.
Once a light has been fitted, it will be used. So, don’t let it happen – prevention is best.
PLOT CLEARING INSTRUCTION FROM MUNICIPALITY
These instructions originate with the fire department. Their field of expertise is fire prevention and not conservation of the fynbos. After issuing the instruction the plot owner must appoint a contractor to clear the plot according to the Fire Management Policy. Contractors are not really concerned with following the details of the Policy, but find it simpler to just remove everything on the plot to ankle height. This way they satisfy the requirements of the fire department, they are paid and the fire chief does his inspection and signs off on the job. But that causes real problems for the reseeding of our fynbos and for habitat for animals. Please can you be sure that your instructions to anyone clearing for fire, ensures that only dead wood and alien plants are removed and that the indigenous fynbos is preserved.
The latest (2016) municipal Policy stipulates: "Eradication and removal of all invasive alien vegetation. All combustible deadwoods, refuse, litter and other verified fire hazards shall be removed. Grasses shall not exceed a height of 500mm (50cm)." Rooiels doesn't have any grasses so the latter doesn't apply.
The amount charged on the account from the Municipality is based on the size of the plot and a flat rate per square metre is charged to clear the entire property. In most cases this is unnecessary. The owner can have his property cleared to an acceptable level without clearing the entire property, which could lead to a saving. The buyer has bought a property because it is covered in beautiful natural vegetation - he does not want to inherit a plot completely denuded of fynbos.
We appeal to all owners to make contact with the Rooiels Conservancy when they receive such a notice. The Conservancy can assist to establish what needs to be removed from the plot in order to satisfy the requirements and put the owner in contact with a properly trained and sensitive contractor. Once clearing has been done, the Municipality is notified and they conduct an inspection after which it is signed off.
These instructions originate with the fire department. Their field of expertise is fire prevention and not conservation of the fynbos. After issuing the instruction the plot owner must appoint a contractor to clear the plot according to the Fire Management Policy. Contractors are not really concerned with following the details of the Policy, but find it simpler to just remove everything on the plot to ankle height. This way they satisfy the requirements of the fire department, they are paid and the fire chief does his inspection and signs off on the job. But that causes real problems for the reseeding of our fynbos and for habitat for animals. Please can you be sure that your instructions to anyone clearing for fire, ensures that only dead wood and alien plants are removed and that the indigenous fynbos is preserved.
The latest (2016) municipal Policy stipulates: "Eradication and removal of all invasive alien vegetation. All combustible deadwoods, refuse, litter and other verified fire hazards shall be removed. Grasses shall not exceed a height of 500mm (50cm)." Rooiels doesn't have any grasses so the latter doesn't apply.
The amount charged on the account from the Municipality is based on the size of the plot and a flat rate per square metre is charged to clear the entire property. In most cases this is unnecessary. The owner can have his property cleared to an acceptable level without clearing the entire property, which could lead to a saving. The buyer has bought a property because it is covered in beautiful natural vegetation - he does not want to inherit a plot completely denuded of fynbos.
We appeal to all owners to make contact with the Rooiels Conservancy when they receive such a notice. The Conservancy can assist to establish what needs to be removed from the plot in order to satisfy the requirements and put the owner in contact with a properly trained and sensitive contractor. Once clearing has been done, the Municipality is notified and they conduct an inspection after which it is signed off.
