The conservation area of Blijdskap farm consists of some 40 hectares, situated on a moderate slope representing part of the foothills of the western side of the Paardeberg . The rocky outcrop of about 5 hectares is still in pristine condition, with very high conservation significance, since it houses many bulb species and is virtually free of alien species. The rest of the conservation area consists of an old orchard, which has not been actively farmed for the past 8 years. Olive trees, as well as several Rhus species are recolonising the area. There are large populations of pioneer plants, including a wide variety of Asteraceae, some Aspalathus spp, as well as renosterbos, Elyptropappus rhinocerotis.

The vegetation types at this site can be described as Boland Granite Fynbos (conservation status - endangered) and Swartland Granite Bulb Veld (conservation status - critically endangered).

Mr. Orpen reported regular presence of numerous bird and mammal species. Many fynbos birds such as sugarbirds are present, as well as secretary birds, guinea fowl, hoopoe, bee-eaters and several birds of prey, including fish eagles. Mammals include leopard, caracal, steenbok, duiker, various species of meerkat, and porcupine.

Mr. Orpen has also started clearing alien vegetation (mostly Bluegum and Port Jackson) in the conservation area. There is a strong possibility that Red Data , Book species (RDB) may be present on this site *or* may reappear with proper management of the vegetation. In order to find RDB species, he has started building up a photographic record of plant species.