| Beachwood Mangrove Nature Reserve | |
| Map: | South Africa KwaZulu-Natal |
| Relief: | 1 |
| Location: | Durban, South Africa |
| Coordinates: | -29.8064°N 31.0374°W |
| Area: | 76ha |
| Established: | 1977 |
| Governing Body: | Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife |
Beachwood Mangroves Nature Reserve is located at the mouth of the Umgeni River in Durban 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. The reserve is home to a number of animal species, including mudskippers, fiddler crabs and the mangrove kingfisher.
The area is used as a nature conservation education centre[4] and has an activities centre available for educational groups. 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.