| Beachwood Mangrove Nature Reserve | |
|---|---|
View from the south
| |
  Map of KwaZulu-Natal | |
| Location | Durban, South Africa |
| Coordinates | 29°48′23″S 31°02′15″E / 29.806404°S 31.037402°E / -29.806404; 31.037402 |
| Area | 76 ha (190 acres) |
| Established | 1977 |
| Governing body | Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife |
Beachwood Mangroves Nature Reserve is located at the mouth of the Umgeni RiverinDurban North, a suburb of Durban, South Africa.[1] The nature reserve, proclaimed in 1977,[2] protects 76 hectares of a natural estuarine system, and was declared a national monument in 1980.[3]
Three species of protected mangrove trees are found in the reserve: black, red, and white.[1] The reserve is home to a number of animal species, including mudskippers, fiddler crabs and the mangrove kingfisher.[1]
The area is used as a nature conservation education centre[4] and has an activities centre available for educational groups.[2] An elevated boardwalk throughout the reserve allows visitors to walk through the swamps at high tide along three trails.[5][6] The reserve also provides a bird hide for the use of birdwatchers.[5]
