In a significant move for conservation in the Garden Route, a 300-hectare tract of land at Voëlklip, Herold’s Bay has been purchased by a family with plans to transform it into a private nature reserve.
The acquisition was facilitated by Fynbos Eiendomme, a Stellenbosch-based company, and marks the birth of the Herold’s Bay Nature Reserve.
The family have simply been described as ‘Herold’s Bay holiday-goers’.
Gradual deterioration
The land, formerly part of the Brakfontein Farm, had long suffered from illegal dumping, uncontrolled access, and the spread of alien invasive vegetation.
This, coupled with mounting urban development pressures, had led to the gradual deterioration of the area.
However, after two years of negotiations and careful planning, the new owners aim to protect the land from future development and farming.
A Commitment to Biodiversity and Public Access
Jan Vreken, CEO of Fynbos Eiendomme and founder of the reserve, expressed the family’s vision.
“This conservation area will be dedicated to protecting biodiversity, restoring natural ecosystems, and creating a welcoming space for everyone to enjoy for generations to come.
“Our goal is to preserve the rare ecosystems, like Garden Route granite fynbos and Groot-Brak dune strandveld, which are under serious threat.”
The reserve, which spans the coastal area from the Voëlklip lookout to the Maalgate estuary, includes indigenous forest within the kloof leading to Herold’s Bay village.
The new owners plan to establish a park-and-walk access system, allowing responsible access to the lookout points and hiking trails.
“Sustainable tourism will be key. In time, walking trails and educational signage will inform visitors about the conservation efforts, including restricted areas under rehabilitation,” said Vreken.
A visitor centre, complete with ablution facilities, is also part of the long-term plans for the reserve.
Community Participation at the Heart of the Project
One of the most exciting aspects of the Herold’s Bay Nature Reserve is its focus on community involvement.
Residents, hikers, and environmental groups will be encouraged to actively participate in conservation efforts.
Plans include a volunteer ranger programme, where locals can help with clearing invasive species, building trails, and maintaining the reserve.
“The goal is to create not only a protected area but also a shared sense of ownership and pride,” Vreken said.
Updates on the reserve’s rehabilitation efforts will be shared through information boards, newsletters, and small community meetings.
Restoration and Future Plans
The restoration process has already begun, with alien plant clearing and erosion control underway.
A five-year management plan outlines how fire management, species monitoring, and trail development will proceed.
These efforts are set to rejuvenate the area’s indigenous plant and animal life, bolstering natural buffers against flooding and fires, while providing a safe habitat for endangered species such as the Knysna woodpecker, the African clawless otter, and the Cape cormorant.
Looking Ahead
In an era of rapid coastal development, the Herold’s Bay Nature Reserve aims to serve as an example of community-led conservation, offering a sustainable model for protecting one of South Africa’s most iconic coastal environments.
For more information or to get involved, visit the reserve’s website: www.hbnr.org.za or contact the reserve via email: jan@hbnr.org.za or info@hbnr.org.za
