GEORGE NEWS - A tract of 300ha of land at Voëlklip, Herold's Bay, has been bought by a family with a vision to convert it into a private nature reserve.
According to a media statement issued by Resolve Communications, Fynbos Eiendomme, a Stellenbosch-based company, bought the land here on behalf of "a family of Herold's Bay holiday-goers". This will become the new Herold's Bay Nature Reserve.
The acquisition was made following two years of negotiations, research and planning, according to Jan Vreken, CEO of Fynbos Eiendomme and founder of the reserve.
Vreken says the land formed part of the old Brakfontein Farm and uncontrolled access, illegal dumping and the spread of alien invasive vegetation have resulted in gradual deterioration of the area. Urban developers have been eyeing it for decades, but through the nature reserve, the new owners want to protect it from development and farming.
Their idea is to create a safe space that the public can also access.
"The proposed conservation area will be dedicated to protecting biodiversity, restoring natural ecosystems and creating a safe, welcoming space for everyone to enjoy for generations to come. The area is home to rare ecosystems such as Garden Route granite fynbos and the Groot-Brak dune strandveld, both of which are under serious threat. It stretches along the coast from the Voëlklip lookout to the Maalgate estuary and includes the indigenous forest in the kloof along the pass into Herold's Bay village."
A park-and-walk access system is being planned to allow responsible access to the Voëlklip lookout points and hiking trails. The area boasts stunning cliffs, forests and fynbos.
"The balance between access and protection lies at the heart of sustainable tourism. In time, walking trails and educational signage will keep visitors informed on conservation efforts, including why certain areas are off-limits or undergoing rehabilitation."
A visitor centre with ablution facilities is also envisaged.
The proposed conservation area will be dedicated to protecting biodiversity, restoring natural ecosystems and creating a safe, welcoming space for everyone to enjoy for generations to come.
Voëlklip gravel road
The gravel road leading to Voëlklip, which has been a site of dumping, off-road damage and tragic incidents, will remain provincial property, but Vreken says eventually the new owners would like to discuss its future with local residents.
Community participation
"Perhaps the most exciting part of this story is that the community will not be a bystander, but rather a participant.
"Residents, hikers and environmental groups are invited to partner with the reserve, whether by helping to clear invasive species, build trails or maintain the reserve. The management team aims to establish a volunteer ranger programme that will invite local residents to help with regular clean-ups, citizen-led science projects and guided educational walks.
"Over the coming months, information boards, newsletters and small group meetings will share updates on the rehabilitation work and invite public input. The goal is to create not only a protected area, but also a sense of shared ownership and pride."
Restoration has begun
Alien clearing and erosion control have already begun, and a comprehensive management plan outlines how fire management, trail building and species monitoring will be carried out over the next five years.
"These efforts will bring back indigenous plant and animal life, strengthen natural buffers against flooding and fires, and create a thriving habitat for species such as the Knysna woodpecker, the African clawless otter and the endangered Cape cormorant.
"In an era of rapid coastal development, the Herold's Bay Nature Reserve hopes to stand as an example of community-led conservation, sharing a sense of care and purpose with local residents and building a natural legacy for future generations," says Vreken.
He invites the public to email their comments on the reserve to jan@hbnr.org.za or info@hbnr.org.za. More information is available on the website: www.hbnr.org.za.
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