Visitors to the Lower Silvermine Wetland will soon be greeted by a striking new feature - a larger-than-life Cape Clawless Otter sculpture, currently being constructed by local artist and sculptor, Chip Snaddon.
The installation, made from invasive alien plant material, sourced from Clovelly golf course, aims to highlight both the significance of the wetland and the importance of conservation efforts, said Friends of Silvermine Nature Area (Fosna) committee member, Martin Scholtz.
The otter, often seen as a symbol of joy, playfulness, and adaptability in various cultures, was chosen to reflect the resilience of nature.
An artist's impression of what the sculpture will look like.
Image: Supplied
Mr Scholtz said Fosna wanted to create a fun learning experience for locals and children while emphasising the environmental value of the wetland, especially after ongoing construction to move the power cables running through the collapsed bridge caused “quite a bit of disruption” (“Valley power supply in peril,” Echo, 2023).
Mr Scholtz said the wetland was a recreational space for the community with great ecological significance, and otters moved through there from time to time.
He said the idea of using invasive alien plant material was to also create awareness of how it impacts the environment and said Fosna was keen to restore the wetland to its former glory.
The addition of the sculpture will make it a space that everyone can identify with, he said.
A signpost near the sculpture educating visitors what to do when they encounter otters.
Image: Yolande du Preez
Currently still in its construction phase, the otter sculpture is being assembled on the Clovelly side of the wetland, approximately 75m downstream of the collapsed bridge. Once completed, it will become a significant attraction for those walking through the area.
Explaining his vision for the sculpture, Mr Snaddon said his intention in creating an "outsized stick" sculpture is primarily to celebrate a magnificent wild creature of the Cape coastal and riverine environment.
In recent times, he said, he has been very lucky to observe otter families going about their busy lives in Cape Point Nature Reserve, Scarborough and Kommetjie, where he lives, and “I hope to convey some of the wonder and admiration these encounters have evoked in me.”
The otter sculpture is currently in its construction phase.
Image: Yolande du Preez
Visitors will be able to sit down and enjoy the larger-than-life Cape Clawless Otter sculpture.
Image: Yolande du Preez
Mr Snaddon said he hoped that the sculpture’s placement near the Clovelly wetland walkway would inspire people to learn more about the wildlife in the Southern Peninsula and encourage conservation efforts.
The choice of materials for the sculpture carries an additional environmental message:
“The use of wattle branches and twigs as the main sculptural material is intended to draw attention to the threat posed by the spread of invasive alien plants to our country’s riverine environments,” he said, adding that the natural weathering and eventual breakdown of the sculpture over time would serve as a visual representation of the cycle of life and renewal.
“The sculpture’s gradual weathering and eventual disintegration, hopefully not sooner than between four and five years, and its return to the soil is a mute reminder of the natural cycle of generation, death and renewal which all life on Mother Earth conforms to.”
Mr Scholtz said the sculpture is expected to be completed by mid-April.
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