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Biodiversity & Wine Initiative
 
A PIONEERING PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN THE SOUTH AFRICAN WINE INDUSTRY AND THE CONSERVATION SECTOR

 

 Members
De Heuvel Estate
Area Conserved:
220 ha
Wine District:
Tulbagh
Owner / Contact Person:
Gaetan Bovit
Phone:
(023) 231 0350
Website:
bianco@lando.co.za
Membership Date:
22 November 2007
 

Biodiversity highlights: Area conserved – 220ha.
De Heuvel is situated on the slopes of the Witzenberg Mountains, near Tulbagh. Three different veldtypes occur on the natural areas; of this 77 hectares consist of Breede Shale Fynbos, 21 hectares of Breede Shale Renosterveld and the largest area (144ha) consists of Breede Alluvium Fynbos.

The top part of the natural area consists of Breede Shale Fynbos. The middle section of Breede Shale Renosterveld consists of a low cupressoid-leaved shrubland and is dominated by renosterbos. Elements of shale fynbos are also present and heuweltjies are very prominent. Very little is known of this veld type and it is in urgent need of detailed study before totally modified by agriculture.
The bottom part consists of Breede Alluvium Fynbos. This is an endangered veld type and is restricted to lowlands in the Worcester area. Soils are usually acid sands derived from the nearby Table Mountain Group sandstones, and often contain a high percentage of river worn boulders (alluvial boulder terraces)
Breede Alluvium Fynbos has lost most of its original extent (primarily to agriculture) and is consequently regarded as an endangered vegetation type, particularly as the threats are still ongoing
Mr. Bovit also agreed to include some twelve hectares of land to link the various conservation areas. This will result in the total conservation area forming a continuous corridor from the top to the bottom of the farm.

The management of the farm is committed to clear the alien species over time and implement the biodiversity guidelines to the best of their ability.



 
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