| Area Conserved: |
| 5 ha |
| Wine District: |
| Overberg |
| Owner / Contact Person: |
| Richard Rose |
| Phone: |
| 021 8592546 |
| Website: |
| r_m_rose@yahoo.com |
| Membership Date: |
| 14 May 2008 |
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Biodiversity highlights: Area conserved – 5ha.
The riparian vegetation, along the Palmiet River on Elgin Orchards is still in a good condition and 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. |
Elgin Orchards (Pty) Ltd. owns the farm Oudebrug which lies in
the Grabouw valley about 80 kilometers from Cape Town. The management
of the farm has realized the uniqueness of its environment and
therefore strives to manage this farm with minimal impact on the
natural environment:
Conservation on the farm aims to
- determine the areas of ,, significance for conservation
- sustain these ecological systems
- Educate all staff regarding importance of the natural environment
The conservation area on the farm consists of a three and a half kilometer riparian zone along the Palmiet River. ,, ,,
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. The 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. 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.
Present conservation activities include:
-The largest conservation activity is the control of alien vegetation (Port Jackson, Black Wattle, bramble, etc)
Environmental education: Farm employees are informed of the benefits of having wildlife on the farm. ,,
Documentation of biodiversity: Sightings of wildlife (birds, mammals) are recorded and a comprehensive list exists.
A policy for the use of energy and natural resources exists: Drip
irrigation scheduling is used to ensure that irrigation only takes
place during periods when soil water becomes deficient.
Pollution policy: Risk assessments have been carried out to ensure that
all activities involving chemicals do not pose any pollution
risks.
It is also the intension of the company to implement recycling on the farm and to involve all staff in this drive. The farm is also Globapgap, as well as Natures Choice accredited |
