CAPE TOWN – The City of Cape Town is planning a major expansion of its nature reserve network, with the Table Bay Nature Reserve in Milnerton among five reserves set to grow, while two new reserves are proposed for the Helderberg area.
The city’s mayoral committee endorsed the proposal earlier today, on 9 March, which will now be submitted to council for approval. If supported, the plan will add an additional 950,1ha to the reserves currently managed by the city.
The proposal includes the proclamation of two new nature reserves in Somerset West – the Schapenberg Nature Reserve and the Paardevlei Nature Reserve – together covering 88,2ha, while five existing reserves across Cape Town will be expanded by 861,9ha.
Deputy mayor and Mayco member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Eddie Andrews, said the expansion would help safeguard Cape Town’s unique natural environment while also providing valuable recreational spaces for residents.
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“Our nature reserves play a critical role in the conservation of our unique biodiversity and ecosystems. Most of these reserves are located close to communities and provide residents with a place where they can spend time in nature, away from roads, buildings, traffic and noise,” Andrews said.
He added that many of the reserves offered visitors hiking trails, walking routes, bird hides, educational centres and picnic spots.
“Beyond recreation and wellbeing, these areas also allow us to secure land for conservation purposes. By protecting biodiversity offsets we can facilitate future development without compromising our biodiversity,” he said.
Two new Helderberg reserves
Council’s support will be requested for the proclamation of two new nature reserves in the Helderberg area.
The Schapenberg Nature Reserve, located on the Schapenberg Hills in Somerset West, will cover 13,2ha, while the Paardevlei Nature Reserve, also in Somerset West, will consist of 75ha.
The city officially launched the Schapenberg Nature Reserve in September last year and has already started clearing invasive alien vegetation to reduce fire risks in the area.
The Environmental Management Department is also working on identifying sustainable activities for the reserve that are compatible with its natural environment. Planned initiatives include guided spring walks, night walks, outdoor classrooms and environmental education programmes.
Expansions across Cape Town
Five existing reserves will also be expanded if council approves the proposal. These include:
- the Harmony Flats Nature Reserve in Strand – an additional 0,9ha
- the Table Bay Nature Reserve in Milnerton – 0,8ha
- the Uitkamp Wetlands Nature Reserve in Durbanville – 3,9ha
- the Witzands Aquifer Nature Reserve in Atlantis – 826,2ha
- the Wolfgat Nature Reserve in Macassar – 30,1ha
The expansion of the Witzands Aquifer Nature Reserve represents the largest portion of the proposed additions.
Public participation process
If council gives the green light, the city will submit the proposed proclamations to the Western Cape MEC for Environmental Affairs and Development Planning for gazetting.
This will include a notice of intent to proclaim the reserves and a 60-day public participation process, during which residents will be able to submit comments.
City officials say the expansion of protected natural areas will help ensure that Cape Town’s biodiversity is preserved while also providing accessible green spaces for communities to enjoy.
