The Walker Bay Fynbos Conservancy

A collection of caring landowners protecting more than 23,000 hectares of lowland fynbos and forests 

Conservation

Walker Bay,
South Africa

On the western edge of the Agulhas Plain, a group of conservation-minded landowners formed the Walker Bay Fynbos Conservancy in order to protect and conserve their land.

Our vision is to safeguard the endangered lowland fynbos and forest habitats, along with the diverse ecosystems they sustain.

The Walker Bay Fynbos Conservancy is a partnership of 50 private landowners, as well as the Walker Bay Nature Reserve, which collectively covers over 23,000 hectares within the heart of the Cape Floral Kingdom.

Since our inception in 1999, the conservancy has aimed to manage the land sustainably.

Our conservancy therefore promotes responsible practices that supports both the preservation of natural habitats and the needs of local communities. Scientific bioblitzes and wildlife monitoring continue to reveal the extraordinary biodiversity of the region. To date, more than 1,250 indigenous plant species, including seven new to science, have been recorded.

The Walker Bay Fynbos Conservancy enables us to protect and manage the exceptional biodiversity of the region, thus contributing to broader environmental goals, including climate change mitigation, carbon sequestration and habitat preservation.

 

our commitment

Conservation in perpetuity

A visionary group of landowners took a bold step towards securing the long-term conservation of their properties within the Walker Bay Fynbos Conservancy. Their commitment ensures that this extraordinary landscape is preserved for future generations.
The Walker Bay Fynbos Conservancy

Protected Environment

In 2022, eight landowners came together to establish a Section 28 Protected Environment, collectively designating nearly 5,000 hectares for formal protection. This achievement was made possible through funding and expert assistance from the Grootbos Foundation and Fauna and Flora International.

Together with seven existing Section 23 private nature reserves and the magnificent Walker Bay Nature Reserve, this initiative has expanded the protected area to over 12,000 hectares of pristine and rare fynbos. This nationally proclaimed and internationally recognised conservation initiative ensures the long-term protection of this rich landscape, preserving its ecological integrity for future generations.

Progress through projects

Members of the Walker Bay Fynbos Conservancy have collaborated to become responsible custodians of the beautiful and important natural landscapes around them.

Working together

This entails jointly confronting common threats such as alien invasive vegetation, irregular wildfires and irresponsible land use which pose a grave risk to the natural biodiversity of the wider area. By working together on a landscape level, the challenges are addressed in the most effective manner. Monitoring, restoration and rehabilitation projects based on scientific research are conducted and members are advised on the management of the land.

It’s crucial to also establish green corridors that link other conservation areas, providing a safe passage for fauna. Cooperation with other landscape projects and nature conservation organisations, such as the Nuwejaars Wetlands Special Management Area, CapeNature, Agulhas National Park and the Cape Leopard Trust will lead to a broader region-wide conservation network.

Adventure & Activities

Explore our Conservancy

Discover a range of exciting adventures and activities in the Walker Bay Fynbos Conservancy. Enjoy a stay within the conservancy and experience nature at its best.

Conservation Collaboration

Partnering for nature

Various conservation initiatives are currently underway throughout the landscape. These efforts would not be possible without the dedication, expertise and hands-on involvement of the Grootbos Foundation, a key partner within the Walker Bay Fynbos Conservancy. Their unwavering commitment and professionalism play a vital role in both the success of conservation work on the ground and the strong reputation of the conservancy as a whole.

Our conservation partners

#CameraTrap moments

© Grootbos Foundation and Walker Bay Fynbos Conservancy

#MemberBestPhoto

A breathtaking shot of African Spoonbills soaring over the Klein River stole the spotlight in March’s photo competition.