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

 

 Members
Beaulieu Farm
Area Conserved:
2 ha
Wine District:
Overberg
Owner / Contact Person:
Derek Corder
Phone:
021 8489306
Membership Date:
20 February 2008
 

Biodiversity highlights: Area conserved – 2ha.
Part of their conservation area consists of a section of the riparian zone along the Palmiet River. This section, which is still in a relatively good condition, plays a vital role to increase the quality of the water before it enters the Applewaite dam. Animals that migrate along the river include the Cape clawless otter, water mongoose and water dependent bird species, such as giant kingfisher, ducks, herons and waders.

The two hectares of conservation area on Beaulieu consist of a farm dam, a renosterveld remnant, as well as river frontage.
The dam forms excellent habitat for aquatic life and numerous water birds frequent the area. The renosterveld area is still in a pristine condition.
The third part of their conservation area forms the riparian zone along the Palmiet River, upstream from the Applewaite and Kogelberg dams. Major impacts on this part of the Palmiet are alien vegetation, as well as urban and agricultural development. The domestic wastewater and run off near Grabouw result in elevated organic loads in the river, causing euthrophication and low dissolved oxygen levels. This river section which is still in a relatively good condition therefore plays a vital role to increase the quality of the water before it enters the Applewaite dam.  
The riparian vegetation also provides habitat for many plants and animals and allows for their migration. Examples of animals that migrate along the river include the Cape clawless otter, water mongoose and water dependent bird species, such as giant kingfisher, ducks, herons and waders.  

The Cape Floral Kingdom is the centre for a distinct Cape component of freshwater fish fauna. Of its 19 species, 16 are found nowhere else in the world. Of these species only the Cape galaxias (Galaxias zebratus) and Cape kurper (Sandelia capensis) are found in this section of the river. Both species are indicators of a healthy ecosystem and therefore a positive sign of the state of this section of river.
Various dragonfly species were also observed. Dragonflies are one of the oldest flying creatures known, with recently discovered fossils dating back to 300 million years. The dragonfly nymphs live in water and are highly predatory, sometimes eating prey as large as tadpoles and small fish.  

The owner of Beaulieu hired a contractor to clear his river section of all alien vegetation and he is committed to do regular follow up work to keep it clear.  
Being Eurepgap, as well as Nature’s Choice (Gold) accredited, the management is committed to farm with minimum negative impacts on the environment. A waste management plan is in place and various materials are recycled.
Only environmental friendly methods are used to deter problem animals, such as buck.



 
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