SEAF - Sedgefield Environmental Advisory Forum

06/06/2026

05/06/2026

WHO IS SEAF?
SEAF was founded by individuals with environmental qualifications and extensive experience in conservation, environmental management, and sustainable development. They share a common purpose: to use their knowledge, skills, and professional expertise to help protect Sedgefield’s unique natural environment and promote the community's long-term interests.

SEAF relies on evidence-based science and environmental legislation to evaluate and comment on development proposals that may affect the long-term well-being of Sedgefield’s natural environment, functions, and character that residents value.

SEAF collaborates with like-minded organisations and groups. By pooling knowledge and resources, we are better positioned to serve the interests of Sedgefield and its environment.

Recent severe weather has reminded us that proactive, environmentally aware planning is not optional but essential.

Join our community, share your knowledge and be part of the solution. Membership is free and open to all. Connect with people who care about Sedgefield's future and its rich biodiversity.

Send your name and contact details to [email protected] to join.
Your voice matters. Make it work for all of us.

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23/05/2026

"They paved paradise and they put up a parking lot" - Joni Mitchell.

Water is life. Floodplains are not meant for intensive development.
Sedgefield needs sensible planning, responsible development, protection of floodplains and wetlands, and vigilance against “greenwashing” that distracts from meaningful environmental action.

Sedgefield’s aquifers, wetlands, dunes and floodplains work together to absorb, store and move water naturally. Yet development in flood-prone areas continues, replacing sandy soil with hard surfaces that block groundwater recharge — the heartbeat of our aquifers.

When floodplains are developed, flooding risks increase, stormwater runoff becomes faster and more destructive, erosion worsens, and pollution from septic tanks, fuel spills and waste can seep into vulnerable groundwater systems.

Floods are real, and climate change is expected to make them more frequent. More development in floodplains means greater environmental damage and higher repair costs for communities and municipalities.

Protect what protects us.

You're watching the 2018 official lyric video for Joni Mitchell's classic "Big Yellow Taxi" from the album 'Ladies Of The Canyon' (1970)Listen to Joni Mitche...

15/05/2026

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14/05/2026

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The beautiful Bitou Wetland in Plett. Where Blue Cranes breed and Fish Eagles frequent. Wetlands are critical flood buffers as they slow and spread the flood waters such as in the floods just experienced, leading to less damage downstream. Wetlands, rivers and estuaries are also the most threatened and least protected ecosystems in South Africa. The Bitou Wetland forms part of the Bitou Corridor which connects Garden Route National Park to Keurbooms River Nature Reserve. And yet, as with the Robberg Coastal Corridor there are major development applications which threaten the integrity of these critical nature corridors which are lifelines for us all. Please support our work in protecting and restoring these vital tributaries of life www.edentoaddo.co.za

05/05/2026

Did You Know? Coastal dunes are one of nature’s most important coastal defence systems.

Far more than “just sand,” dunes protect our coastline, beaches, homes, and infrastructure from storms, erosion, flooding, and rising sea levels. They are also fragile living ecosystems that support unique biodiversity found nowhere else on Earth.
The Cape’s coastal dunes contain around 1 000 plant species, many endemic to the Cape Floristic Region. Yet these sensitive systems are increasingly threatened by irresponsible development, vehicles, trampling, invasive alien plants, and other human activities. Once damaged, dunes can take decades to recover.
Protecting dunes means protecting:
✔️ Our coastline
✔️ Biodiversity
✔️ Natural storm barriers
✔️ Future generations
We all have a role to play:
🌾 Respect rehabilitation areas
🌾 Support responsible coastal development
🌾 Keep dunes free from litter and invasive plants
Healthy dunes = resilient coasts. 🌍💚

27/04/2026

SEAF raises concerns over proposed Sedgefield developments

On 27 April 2026, the Sedgefield Environmental Advisory Forum (SEAF) submitted comments and concerns regarding the proposed rezoning of Erf 1627 and Erf 5008, both located in the broader precinct of the existing Mosaic Village, Wild Oats Farmers Market, Engen Service Station, car park and Scarab Village west of Sedgefield next to the N2 freeway.

SEAF’s key concern is that Sedgefield’s existing municipal services for water supply, wastewater treatment, and waste management are already under strain. Approving new developments now could worsen these challenges.

Flood risk is another serious issue. Parts of the proposed sites are low-lying and were affected by flooding in 2006 and 2007. Climate change further increases the area’s vulnerability, with Sedgefield identified as a coastal flood risk zone.

On 21 April 2026, Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Narend Singh emphasised that municipalities must manage land use responsibly, reduce climate risks, and avoid preventable disasters.

SEAF is not opposed to development but calls on the Knysna Municipality to fulfil its legal and ethical obligation to ensure that residents do not bear the consequences of unwise decisions.

The rezoning and development of these two erven will undermine the very sense of place that defines Sedgefield and the deep connection its residents have with their surroundings. If approved, these changes risk permanently altering the town’s unique landscape and character.

Sedgefield /Locals

22/04/2026

Please read our 2025 Annual Report! It is the culmination of a year's worth of research into w**d and insect biological control efforts. https://www.ru.ac.za/centreforbiologicalcontrol/latestnews/cbc_annual_report_2025.html