“GOOD NEWS” CONSERVATION STORIES : LAND PRESERVED FOR CONSERVATION
In the midst of all the news of ongoing habitat loss that leaves many species of animals under threat, it is so encouraging to read positive news about land secured for conservation. The following three are not in the Overstrand or the Kogelberg Biosphere, but they give examples of what is possible.
- The Overberg Renosterveld Trust (ORT) together with World Land Trust and Mapula Trust bought another vital piece of endangered renosterveld between Bredarsdorp and Swellendam called Goereesoe. It is a breeding hotspot for Endangered Black Harriers. Read about the project and this important land purchase: https://overbergrenosterveld.org.za/black-harrier/ and Critical renosterveld site acquired by the ORT
- The new Wilderness Nature reserve
The Wilderness Nature Reserve, declared on 17 July 2025, is situated near Heidelberg. It spans over 643 hectares and has a significant role in protecting freshwater biodiversity, endangered species and ecological corridors: Boost for freshwater biodiversity as Wilderness Nature Reserve declared https://share.google/Wh3M5UIalxg2jAUQf
Landowners who are considering having their land formally protected can contact CapeNature’s Antia Wheeler on awheeler@capenature.co.za and Kaylin Reid on kreid@capenature.co.za.
- A Farm in the Cederberg
“Lokenburg in Nieuwoudtville officially became the first farm to register a Conservation Servitude with the Endangered Wildlife Trust. It’s a ‘legal promise’ that part of the farm will forever be protected for conservation”.
Northern Cape Farm Becomes Safe Space For World’s Tiniest Tortoise https://share.google/g50ZYPK41Dy5bzPji
In the Kogelberg Biosphere:
The Brodie Link Nature Reserve named after Bernard Brodie and established between 1998 and 2010, is an amazing example of the preservation of land for conservation.
Read Allan Heydorn’s article: The Hangklip Eco Corridor-The Untold Story:Kogelberg Botanical Society https://share.google/0anC4TEjRlHod2ojR
Map indicating various stages of the WWF-SA Hangklip Corridor Project
- Yellow: Brodie Link Reserve (acquired 1998-2001) (94 + 22 ha = 116 ha)
- Green: Mudge Property (acquired 2005-2006) (294 ha)
- Pink: Portion 161/Hangklip Farm 559 (acquired 2010) (69 ha)
- Orange: Seafarm Conservancy (259 ha)
- Purple: Municipal Conservation Area (±330 ha)
- The total current functional area of the Hangklip Corridor: ± 1068 ha
Credit: Map and this information are from the above article on the Brodie Link
In 2024, a bequest by Mike Harrison of Rooiels also secured a critical conservation area in Rooiels: Far-sighted bequest secures critical conservation corridor in Rooiels | WWF South Africa https://share.google/YoNl8ykLkCCAPTZc2
Each of these different land preservation stories had a vision, a plan and a first step – with passionate and dedicated people working together.
Betty’s Bay has so much of value to preserve.
Let us work together to help secure eco corridors and critical conservation areas in Betty’s Bay for conservation!
If you are interested in being involved in various aspects of such a project, please contact the BBC on bettysbayconservancy@gmail.com.
Carol Clark