The Berg River Redfin (Pseudobarbus burgi) or the Bergrivier-rooivlerkie, is a 120 mm brown silvery fish, with bright red fins that can be found in clear, good quality water in the Berg River. These extraordinary creatures are bottom-to-midwater feeders that prey on aquatic invertebrates such as bugs and larvae, but are seriously endangered and have even been believed to be completely extinct.
Habitat degradation and predatory alien fish species are the biggest threat to smaller species such as the Berg River Redfin. Luckily, a Berg River tributary, the Spruit River, runs through Upland Organic Estate.
This is a wine-and-olive estate owned and managed by Edmund Oettle and his wife, Elsie. They settled in Wellington, just off the Horseshoe, 32 years ago and decided to farm organically. Upland is on high ground on the slopes of the mountains above Wellington, a name working well as a direct translation for Boland. Previous owners followed a commercial farming style, resulting in a slow road to gain organic status. The decision to farm sustainably was long before “organic” was a commercial buzz word. They have turned to this style of farming with the intention to restore a natural habitat and to go about their work “with no cost to the earth”. This slogan has become much more than a mantra, but is truly embedded in their way of life.
With the luxury of downtime and peaceful daily routine of the last two years, the Oettles had time to explore the farm and much to their delight spotted a school of Berg River Redfins. “Due to the clean waters and sustainable farming these fish have returned,” says Edmund. “It is a celebration, the result of 32 years of farming with the environment at heart.”
To celebrate this joyful sighting, Edmund is dedicating his newest release, a 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon to further conservation through a partnership with the Endangered Wildlife Trust, who will receive proceeds from the sales of this product. This product carries the EWT logo and is rightly called: Not Extinct.
The Berg River Redfin is not the only endangered species roaming the Upland grounds. Nature lovers are welcome to visit for a wine, gin or brandy tasting and extend their visit with a picnic at the river. Booking is essential.
