The Apple Tree Initiative NPC and Bracken Nature Reserve held an event on Saturday to celebrate the arrival of spring.

Several activities were held including a fund-raising run and cannon firing in the nature reserve, as well as rock painting for children, story-telling by senior citizens, music and market stalls in the Suikerbossie Park in Protea Village.

The event started with the fund-raising run at 8am and ended with the cannon firing at 12.30pm.

The chairwoman of Friends of Bracken Nature Reserve, Kara Robberts, said the annual spring event usually includes the cannon firing but it was the first time they held the fund-raising run.

“There were 14 runners and taking in mind the weather, we are happy with the people that showed up. There were also people who made donations who were not able to come out. I believe that in the future, on a sunny day, it will be more successful.”

Brackenfell resident Joshua Kruger said he had not been running much in the past months so it was good to be running again and be part of the community event. “The first leg was chilled but the second one was a bit difficult but I kept pushing.”

Funds will go towards maintaining the nature reserve and necessary educational projects for the community.

The director of Apple Tree Initiative NPC Mandy Leibbrandt said they were happy to open space for the market stalls to benefit the community entrepreneurs.

Joshua Kruger took part in the fund-raising run at the nature reserve. Picture: Sibulele Kasa.

Children enjoy rock painting during the spring event in the Suikerbossie Park. Picture: Sibulele Kasa.

Vicky Hough had a story-telling session for youth during the spring event in the Suikerbossie Park. Picture: Sibulele Kasa.

Preparations taking place for the cannon firing in the nature reserve. Picture: Sibulele Kasa.

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