Grootvadersbosch Conservancy

02/06/2026

25/05/2026

In the wake of the devastating storms that recently impacted the Western Cape, we were privileged to host a visit from Nico Rossouw, an experienced water quality specialist, together with Frankie, as part of our ongoing WWF-supported project focused on better understanding the water quality dynamics of the Huis and Tradouw river systems. ⛰ 💧

Drawing on years of experience, Nico visited a number of the monitoring sites that form part of the project. The site visits are an important component of the assessment process, allowing historical water quality data to be interpreted within the context of the landscape, river conditions, and surrounding land use.

As we continue working towards a better understanding of these important systems, visits like these provide valuable insight that strengthens both the scientific assessment and future conservation planning for the catchment.

Thank you to The WWF Nedbank Green Trust for funding this initiative!

21/05/2026

Public comment is now open on a proposed road and bridge works within the Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve, including the proposed reopening of vehicle access into the Boosmansbos Wilderness Area for the first time in 27 years.

The proposal has prompted important discussions around:
🌿 Wilderness management
🚶 Non-mechanised access
🚒 Conservation management needs, including fire breaks and alien clearing
🛤️ Long-term infrastructure planning in protected areas

The Grootvadersbosch Conservancy has prepared a summary of the proposal in our latest blog, including:

• What is being proposed
• What the legislation says regarding wilderness areas,
• Concerns and perspectives raised by stakeholders, as well as the importance of roads for conservation management
• and how members of the public can participate in the comment process.

This is an important opportunity for constructive public engagement around the management of the Western Cape’s significant wilderness landscapes.

We encourage everyone with an interest in this topic to read the proposal and submit comments via email before 1 June 2026.

Read the full article here: https://www.gvbconservancy.co.za/conservancyblog/public-comment-invited-proposed-road-and-bridge-works-in-the-boosmansbos-wilderness-area

19/05/2026

Our plants are standing strong and proud after all the rain 🌧☔️

17/05/2026

Seeing the impact alien clearing have on the environment, especially on a river system is always worth the wait.

Alien clearing management is a consistent and a 'not-immediate-rewarding' process. It may take 1 month or several years before one can see the difference.

This is a section of the Tradouw river and with consistent alien clearing from our team and the landowners, together it is finally looking like the natural way.

14/05/2026

Dear all,

We hope you have stayed safe during the severe storms that hit the Western Cape earlier this week. It has been an incredibly challenging time for many communities as they begin counting the cost of the damage. What a week it has been for many in this valley.

Unfortunately, our office area experienced significant damage, including the front of our building, communication infrastructure, backup power systems, and nursery facilities. Our weather station recorded 108km/h winds. Our team is currently in full clean-up and recovery mode as we work to restore normal operations.

We have been without power since Sunday evening, and connectivity remains extremely difficult due to unstable cell signal and ongoing efforts to reinstall our communication infrastructure.

Please bear with us if communication is delayed or responses are slower than usual. We are working hard to get everything back up and running as soon as possible.

Thank you for your patience and support during this time and we wish all our landowners, contractors and conservation partners all the best as they try to get back on their feet.

— The Grootvadersbosch Conservancy Team

13/05/2026

Here are some interesting facts about the indigenous fish found within the Grootvadersbosch Valley, made by our conservation intern. We are grateful to be part of conserving and protecting these important fish and their habitat! ⛰️🐟