Variety is in our Nature

Biodiversity is a priority in the Breedekloof region and Cape Nature has been working with landowners to set up contract nature reserves and conservation areas. An example is the Badsberg Conservancy which covers about 5 000ha, of which 3 700ha are indigenous vegetation including the protected Haemanthus coccineus or March flower.

The land in the conservancy is owned by 21 members of Breedekloof Wine and Tourism who agreed not to cultivate the land and instead to encourage visitors to enjoy its fynbos, game and bird viewing.

Another example of the region’s commitment to the natural environment is the work that Goudini Wine Cellar does with Cape Nature to raise public awareness of the plight of the Fish Eagle. The rivers and dams of the Breedekloof are an ideal habitat for the Fish Eagle. The Breedekloof is home to a number of precious habitats and a biodiversity study identified 29 rare and important plant species in the Slanghoek area alone.

The study, a partnership between the Provincial Department of Agriculture, Cape Nature and Breedekloof Wine & Tourism, identified all species with 'red data' status in the Slanghoek Valley and mapped out biodiversity hotspots. The study is being expanded to include the entire Breedekloof region. A Geographical Information System map of the Breedekloof is also being created to enable farmers to plan according to biodiversity principles.

Visit www.breedekloof.com