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| Area Conserved: |
| 1200 ha |
| Wine District: |
| Stellenbosch |
| Owner / Contact Person: |
| Ben de Villiers |
| Phone: |
| (021) 847 2200 |
| Website: |
| www.lourensford.co.za |
| Membership Date: |
| 19 May 2006 |
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Biodiversity highlights: Area conserved – 1200ha.
Area conserved - 1200ha of mainly Boland Granite Fynbos (endangered veldtype, poorly protected), as well as some Kogelberg Sanstone Fynbos. Other important natural areas conserved: Pristine sections of the Lourens and Landdors rivers, wetlands, indigenous forest, as well as fragments of critically endangered Lourensford Alluvium Fynbos. |
Conservation actions on Lourensford started in 1977, under the general management of Mr. J.R. Hodgson, when all the fynbos areas above the plantations were cleared of alien vegetation. Since then their has been continuous efforts to conserve the biodiversity on the estate, lead by Mr. G Wright, Mr. P Koker and the present driving force, Mr. Steve Birch.
Some of the conservation actions on the estate:
-Alien clearing has always been a priority and a program to eventually rid all natural areas of alien vegetation will be followed. At present some 1000 ha of natural vegetation has been cleared.
-All wetland areas on the farm were identified in 1996 and cleared of alien vegetation, with annual follow up to keep them in a pristine condition.
-Some areas previously utilized for forestry, will now be left for fynbos to recover.
-All indigenous riverine forests have, since 1978 a non-harvest policy, and alien trees are removed annually from these areas.
-Species lists of flora and fauna are updated on a regular basis.
-Environmental Education: Schools of the areas have been introduced to ''''''''fynbos'''''''' and members of the Friends of Helderberg, assist in taking members of the public on nature tours, as well as assist with updating species lists.
In 1977, the Lourens River, from its headwaters to the sea, became the only complete river in South Africa to be declared a Protected Natural Environment. The protected area extends 45m on either side of the centre line of the river. Although previously (1974) declared as a trout area in terms of the Nature conservation Ordinance, trout stocking has since ceased and according to the state of rivers report the indigenous Cape kurper and Cape galaxies can still be found in the upper reaches of this river. A crab, endemic to this area has been found in the upper reaches of the Lourens River.
A single example of San art as well as an early stone midden, with artifacts dating back to 11000 BC was discovered. The stonewalls are up to 4m high and it is believed that this site has some chronological/astronomical importance.
Sections of the riparian zone have been rehabilitated with planting of indigenous trees previously found in this area. Invader Fallow Deer have been eradicated.
A variety of wildlife is regularly spotted on the farm.
This includes: Caracal, Bat-Eared Fox, Leopard, Baboon, Dassies, Duiker, Steenbok, and Rheebuck.
Lourensford realizes the importance of biodiversity and is committed to maintaining and conserving it. |
