Within the nature reserve, our restoration & regeneration efforts have largely been focussed on the clearing of invasive non-native species. Carefully managed, observation based clearing enables the rare and threatened plant species to regenerate and thrive. As a result of these efforts we are gradually seeing the return of indigenous insects, birds and wildlife.

Much of our nature reserve has now been cleared of the prolific Rooikrans (Acacia cyclops), with gratitude to the grant from Nedbank Trust and the Rowland and Leta Hill Trust Fund. Their support not only provided an income source for a number of community members, but now provides many others the chance to come and marvel at Cape Floral Kingdom in the south Western Cape.

The two large fires we have experienced, in 2017 and 2022, have taught us much about its impact and our role in regeneration. Whilst it felt devastating in the moment, and while some of what regrew each time was still invasive species, the veld produced an astonishing array of new fynbos in response. Rare and threatened species, previously not catalogued on the site, started thriving in the newly created micro-environments.

We have taken this opportunity to learn from nature by creating our own Indigenous Nursery, focussed on seed collection and propagation. Wild Rescue is grateful to the Gouritz Cluster Biosphere Reserve for granting us a micro fund to kickstart this project.

We are building up our capacity to move beyond rehabilitating our own nature reserve, towards assisting with larger restoration projects in other identified conservation areas, thereby contributing to ecosystem regeneration within the region.
This also affords us with opportunities to advocate for an integrated fauna/flora approach to conservation, and to promote an appreciation of our magnificent floral kingdom.