Faure Wine Farms is situated 2.5 kilometres from the Atlantic Ocean. The Eerste River forms the Western boundary of the farm. A key management tool has been the implementation of state-of-the-art scientific monitoring methods. Accurate monitoring of moisture and disease has significantly reduced excessive water use, as well as herbicide use. After years of agricultural practices where harsh tillage methods and strong agrochemicals were used, Adriaan took the bold step and introduced biological farming. This is achieved through:
· Reduced tillage operations
· Increased soil cover (cover crops were introduced) and organic matter
· Balancing soil nutrients
· Use of environmentally friendly sprays and fertilizers

At present 80 ha of the farm are being run on the biological system and the unparalleled success has lead to a decision to run the entire 340 ha on a biological basis, over the next two years.

This farm still have some 50 hectares of natural vegetation. This include: Kahlenberg hill, with sections of pristine renosterveld. A plant survey of this area is planned for spring 2007 (great variety of bulb species present).

Strips of natural vegetation along the vineyards, forming a natural corridor through the farm. This area also connects to the Eerste River, also forming an important ecological corridor in this highly transformed landscape. The farm has a large dam, surrounded by a natural wetland area. Other
smaller wetland areas on the farm will also be protected. These areas create excellent habitat for water life and a variation of water birds frequent this area.

The Somerset West Bird Club visited the area and will supply us with a checklist on species that can be observed on the farm.