Table Mountain Fund

22/04/2026

In March, we bid farewell to the Table Mountain Fund’s longest-serving Board member, Justin Smith, after an extraordinary seventeen years of dedicated service.

Over nearly two decades, Justin has been far more than a Trustee. As a trusted line manager to the management team, he provided steady leadership, thoughtful guidance, and unwavering support. Always eager to roll up his sleeves, he was just as likely to be found around the board table as out in the field.

Justin’s passion, wisdom, and deep commitment to conservation have helped shape the Table Mountain Fund into what it is today. While we say goodbye to him as a Trustee, we are grateful that he remains part of the broader conservation sector and part of our community.

“𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘑𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘯 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘶𝘯𝘸𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘶𝘱𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘪𝘵𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘍𝘶𝘯𝘥. 𝘈𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘰𝘳 17 𝘺𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘴, 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘩𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘤 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘶𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘴 𝘢𝘯 𝘦𝘹𝘦𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘳𝘺 𝘢𝘮𝘣𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘢𝘥𝘰𝘳 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘛𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘔𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘍𝘶𝘯𝘥. 𝘞𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘯𝘰 𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘰𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘵𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘰𝘳 𝘫𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘶𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘦𝘴, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘸𝘦 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘱𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘶𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘤𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘴-𝘤𝘳𝘰𝘴𝘴 𝘢𝘴 𝘸𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬 𝘵𝘰𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘰 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘦 𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦.” - Kerry Maree, Table Mountain Fund Manager

On behalf of the Trustees, partners, and team, thank you for your years of service, leadership, and friendship. We wish you every success in this next chapter.

25/03/2026

𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗩𝗲𝗿𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘃𝗹𝗲𝗶 𝗚𝟯𝟬 𝗖𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁

Protecting one of the Western Cape’s most important wetlands requires more than ecological action; it requires strong legal support. The Verlorenvlei, a RAMSAR wetland of international importance, is a critical biodiversity and birding area within the G30 catchment. While parts of the catchment fall within the Moutonshoek Protected Environment, large portions, including highly threatened ecosystems such as Swartland Shale Renosterveld and lowland freshwater wetlands, remain unprotected.

Supported through the Table Mountain Fund’s 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗺𝗲, this project, led by the 𝗕𝗶𝗼𝗱𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗟𝗮𝘄 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗲, is working to address growing threats to the catchment. These include over-abstraction of water, unlawful dam construction, cultivation within sensitive estuarine zones, and mining pressures within protected areas.

By working alongside partners and community activists, the project is using legal interventions to strengthen environmental governance, protect critical ecosystems, and support the long-term sustainability of this unique landscape.



Credit: Felicity Strange

20/03/2026

𝗥𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗧𝗼𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗿𝗼𝘄: 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴

Funded through TMF’s 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗺𝗲, the 𝗥𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗧𝗼𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗿𝗼𝘄 project is all about young people stepping up to protect the rivers that matter most to them.

Through this project, Grootvadersbosch Conservancy is working with rural youth to explore and understand the health of their local rivers using fun, hands-on miniSASS and SASS5 activities. Together, they aim to create five “State of the River” reports - sharing what’s really happening in the rivers where they live and play. This not only feeds into a national citizen science movement but also helps young people build knowledge, confidence, and a sense of responsibility for their environment.

By raising awareness and encouraging local action, this project is helping communities, and especially youth, become champions for healthier rivers and a better future.



Credit: 1: Jacques Marais 2-4: Grootvadersbosch Conservancy

19/03/2026

𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗺𝗲

Nature Connect’s 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗺𝗲 is a long-term, immersive initiative supporting youth from under-resourced communities to grow into confident, capable environmental leaders.

Supported by the Table Mountain Fund through our 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗺𝗲, 20–24 learners are selected each year in Grade 6 to begin a seven-year journey. Through immersive experiences, from overnight camps and biodiversity surveys to guided hikes and environmental campaigns, participants develop a strong, lasting connection to the natural world.

Beyond conservation, the programme also builds practical life skills and supports personal development.

By investing in sustained, holistic support, this programme is helping to shape a generation of informed, resilient and engaged environmental leaders.



Credit: Freddie Vaas

18/03/2026

𝗖𝗼𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗽𝗲 𝗙𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽

Through the Table Mountain Fund’s 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗺𝗲, we are supporting the coordination of the 𝗖𝗮𝗽𝗲 𝗙𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽, an initiative aimed at strengthening collaboration, advocacy, learning and communication across the diverse network of stakeholders working to conserve this globally significant landscape.

Building on the legacy of Cape Action for People and the Environment (CAPE), the Partnership is coordinated by BirdLife South Africa and Conservation Outcomes. Together, they are driving a collective effort that enables voluntary engagement and knowledge exchange, helping to unlock more coordinated and effective conservation action across the Cape Floristic Region.

At its core, this initiative is about enabling collaboration at a scale that matches the complexity of the challenges facing the region and ensuring its extraordinary biodiversity is conserved for generations to come.

𝗘𝘅𝗲𝗰𝘂𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀: Birdlife South Africa and Conservation Outcomes



Credit: Giselle Murison

13/03/2026

𝗣𝗮𝗱𝗱𝗮𝘃𝗹𝗲𝗶 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁

A neglected wetland in Hawston, near Hermanus on the Overberg coast, is slowly being brought back to life, led by the community who call it home.

Through the 𝗣𝗮𝗱𝗱𝗮𝘃𝗹𝗲𝗶 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁, local residents have come together to restore the Paddavlei wetland and reclaim it as a shared community space. Led by the Paddavlei Eco Group and supported by Whale Coast Conservation, Overstrand Municipality and CapeNature, the project is building local skills in alien clearing, citizen-science water monitoring and wetland stewardship.

Funded through the Table Mountain Fund’s 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗺𝗲, the initiative also places youth at the centre of conservation, with local learners helping monitor water quality, plant trees and remove invasive species.

One of the project’s most visible outcomes is the 5km Paddavlei Trail, created by community members and local partners. Linking the wetland to the beach and surrounding milkwood forest, the trail has become a space for monthly fun runs, walks and clean-ups that bring residents together while encouraging ongoing care for the vlei.

What was once neglected and used for dumping is slowly being reclaimed by the Hawston community as a place to walk, learn and reconnect with nature.

𝗘𝘅𝗲𝗰𝘂𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁: Whale Coast Conservation



Credit: Whale Coast Conservation

10/03/2026

At the Table Mountain Fund, we believe conservation is strongest when people feel connected to nature and empowered to care for it.

Through our Pride and Care Programmes, we support projects that build both appreciation for the natural world and the community of people working to protect it.

𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗺𝗲 projects focus on deepening people’s connection to the extraordinary biodiversity of the Cape Floristic Region - from environmental education and youth leadership to immersive experiences that inspire a lasting appreciation for fynbos.

𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗺𝗲 projects focus on strengthening the conservation community -supporting emerging organisations, building capacity, and enabling collaboration so that more people and communities can actively participate in caring for our natural heritage.

Together, these programmes are helping to grow a new generation of conservation leaders and organisations committed to safeguarding one of the world’s most remarkable ecosystems.

Our 2026 Call for Concept Proposals is now open, inviting organisations working in environmental education, community conservation, and advocacy to apply.

Over the coming weeks, we’ll be sharing stories from our current Pride and Care project portfolios. Highlighting the inspiring work already underway across the region. We hope these projects spark ideas and encourage others to apply.
If you're working to connect people and nature in meaningful ways, we’d love to hear from you.

𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗮𝗹𝘀: https://www.thetablemountainfund.org.za/



Credits: Jacques Marais (1-3) & Pierre van der Spuy (4)

07/03/2026

Witvis Fees 2026

On 18 February 2026, landowners, scientists, government officials, NGOs, school groups and local community members gathered along the banks of the Berg River at the Resort to celebrate the return of the Witvis after more than 30 years of absence.

The day began with enthusiastic learners from Wemmershoek Primary and Bridge House School wading into the river with nets and trays to sample aquatic insects and assess the river’s health. While the results showed the river is still in Fair to Poor condition, there is encouraging news — water quality and habitat have improved significantly in recent decades, thanks in part to the Western Cape Government’s Berg River Improvement Plan and various other restoration initiatives.

A series of inspiring streamside talks highlighted why the Berg River is so important for both people and biodiversity, and showcased collaborative efforts to restore the river from source to sea.

The highlight of the day came when over 1,000 Witvis were released back into the river, marking their return to the Berg for the first time in three decades.

“It felt so good watching them swim out of the bucket and into the river… I ended up releasing two more buckets full of fish!” – Bridge House Grade 12 student

The Bringing Back the Witvis project, led by the Freshwater Research Centre and funded by the Table Mountain Fund aims to re-establish this iconic endemic fish in the Berg River after its disappearance in the 1990s due to habitat loss, pollution and invasive predatory fish.

In partnership with Babylonstoren and Boschendal, nursery dams are helping rear fish for release — with a goal of returning 5,000 Witvis to the river. A hopeful step for the Berg River, and for freshwater biodiversity in South Africa.

The FRC would like to thank all involved for a fantastic freshwater celebration and for contributing to Bringing Back the Witvis!
Intaba Environmental Services The Nature Conservancy in Africa The Mission Fly Fishing Magazine CapeNature Ford Motor Company Western Cape Government The Old Tannery Wemmershoek Diagnostic Laboratory

All images by Otto Whitehead

04/03/2026

When fires swept through the Cederberg in December and January, the damage to local trails and surrounding landscapes was immense.

In response, Love our trails, in collaboration with Sustainable Ceder and CapeNature, organised a Volunteer Weekend to restore and rehabilitate the trails.

What began as a bold idea to audit and repair damaged routes quickly became something far more powerful: 173 volunteers came together to restore 20 trails, showcasing the incredible strength of community in action.

The Table Mountain Fund is proud to have supported this inspiring initiative.

I don’t think any of us fully understood what we were saying yes to when this idea first came up in January.After the devastating fires tore through more than 53,000 hectares of the Cederberg over December and January, many of the trails we love were closed. As they should have been. The landscape...

27/02/2026

𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗽𝘁 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗮𝗹𝘀

The Table Mountain Fund is pleased to announce our 2026 Call for Concept Proposals - supporting initiatives under our Pride and Care Programmes, as set out in our 2025–2030 Conservation Strategy.

Registered organisations in good standing, with a focus on environmental education, community conservation, or advocacy within the Cape Floristic Region, are encouraged to apply.

Applications must be emailed to the Table Mountain Fund Project Coordinator, Carla Wood ([email protected]), 𝐛𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝟎𝟗:𝟎𝟎 𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝟐𝟑 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔.

To find out more and to download the full Call for Concept Proposals (PDF), visit: https://lnkd.in/dMjac8pf



Credit: Peter Chadwick at African Conservation Photography

24/02/2026

𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻. 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲. 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗮 𝗧𝗮𝘅 𝗗𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻.

Make a donation to our conservation work before 28 February and you can receive a Section 18A certificate for the 2025/26 tax year.

By giving, you’ll join a growing community of international donors, local partners and passionate individuals who are helping to protect and restore the natural beauty of Table Mountain and the extraordinary biodiversity of the Cape Floristic Region.

Donate today and make a lasting impact*: http://www.thetablemountainfund.org.za/support-us/

*Remember to allow enough time for your donation to be processed, as it must reach our bank account by 28 February 2026.

For more information or to request your Section 18A certificate, contact us on [email protected].

Credit: Peter Chadwick at African Conservation Photography