Area Conserved: 100 ha Wine District: Owner / Contact Person: Mr. Peter Neville Finlayson Phone: (028) 312 3515 Website: www.bouchardfinlayson.co.za Membership Date: 02 June 2006

For much of the 20th century, this estate, like many in the Hemel-en Aarde valley, suffered poor land -management practices, due to under capitalization. Since Bouchard Finlayson purchased the land in the late 1980's, Mr. Peter Finlayson in his capacity as managing director has introduced sound conservation practices and much has been achieved. A part-time environmental consultant has been employed to coordinate all conservation activities.

Some of the achievements to date are as follows:
A contract team of Working for Water, (W f W), cleared dense infestations of woody aliens since mid-February 2005. Altogether some 50 % of the previously infested area was cleared by W f W in 2005. This latter area, plus the greater part of the mountain have been cleared in follow up operations by estate staff. The end result is that over 90 % of the land is now alien free. A small area of some 2 ha is being retained under aliens for the present, as it is a research site for biological control operations being conducted by U.C.T.

Eroded slopes are being rehabilitated, using vineyard clippings, skins, pips, etc. which are composted and spread. Repair work on erosion on badly sited roads is under way. A network of walking trails is being laid out, to facilitate access for management and possibly allow visitors the opportunity to explore the fynbos.
Commercial harvesting of flowers has been banned and a mini-herbarium has been started. Only 'badger-friendly' hives are allowed on the property and vineyards are fenced to reduce the browsing of vines by small antelope.