Stewardship Peer Learning Workshop
It has been 3 years since CapeNature was last in the position to host an annual Peer Learning Workshop that could compare to previous ones. This workshop however will be remembered for the positive energy that was brought about by CapeNature stewardship staff and our incredible partners in the landscape. It truly reflected the desire to connect, share and learn.
The 44 participants representing 16 different organisations, attended the 2-day workshop at the Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve where the beauty of the place vividly reminded us that we need to look after what we’ve got, which was the over-arching theme of the 2022 workshop.
The importance of landowner extension and the perseverance in trying to change perceptions were highlighted and new innovative ways that can be used as steppingstones towards formal stewardship were presented. A Custodianship Agreement is a simple and effective tool used by Kammanassie Nature Reserve to encourage landowners to take ownership in the management of Cape Mountain Zebras. Building relationships and maintaining trust is the motto carried by the Gouritz Cluster Biosphere Reserve to take landowners on a journey towards management plan development and implementation.
‘Ways to improve our effectiveness’ drew discussions towards capacity and resource constraints and it was encouraging to see that there are more cost-effective alternatives to secure long-term conservation through conservation servitudes. The effort our partners put into developing alternatives that encourage landowners to participate in conservation is key to the success in maintaining momentum and eventually contribute towards reaching our provincial and national protected area targets.
Presentations on habitat restoration, which was the sub-theme of the workshop, sparked such positive and energetic discussions amongst the group that it made everyone hopeful for the future. It was incredible to experience the different restoration approaches in the different landscapes and it showed that the project leaders are committed to try new methods, record, and analyse their efficacy. The successes of the restoration projects are appreciated by landowners and the direct benefits bring about change, co-operation, and enhanced conservation outcomes.
The 2-day workshop ended with a field trip to Dikkopkraal Nature Reserve, a stewardship site bordering Grootvadersbosch. CapeNature’s fauna specialist showed the group the diversity of indigenous fish species which have been recorded at the site as part of an ongoing monitoring project. The life-cycle and survival instinct of these vulnerable fish fascinated the group and reminded us what is still out there to see and to learn, making Peer Learning an inspiring uplifting event not to be missed.
Related News
Green Noise named SA Podcast Awards finalist
Green Noise, CapeNature's podcast, has been named a finalist in the Best Education category at the 2026 South African Podcast Awards. The podcast is one of five finalists in the category, competing alongside Pippa Hudson's Curriculum Bootcamp and Dr Carra's The Paws & Effect Podcast, among others. Finalists are scored across six criteria: concept and originality, content quality, host performance, structure and pacing, audience connection and production quality. Each entry is scored blind by an independent panel of judges.
CapeNature to phase out trade in California kingsnakes
CapeNature is phasing out trade in California kingsnakes (Lampropeltis californiae) in the Western Cape over a two-year transition period that began on 1 April 2026, after a risk assessment classified the species as high risk for invasion. Animals already lawfully held may remain in captivity for the remainder of their natural lives. The assessment, which used the Bomford (2008) rapid risk assessment model, identified the potential for ecological disruption and competition with indigenous species should
HeliHack volunteers clear 5 334 invasive pines from Boosmansbos
Twenty-three volunteers were flown by helicopter into the remote upper slopes of the Boosmansbos Wilderness Area from 23–25 October 2026, where they cut down 5 334 invasive alien pine trees across 904 hectares. The operation, led by the HeliHack Initiative in partnership with CapeNature, comes as the region is still recovering from the wildfires of 2025. With the South African Weather Service forecasting a strong El Niño and warmer, drier conditions through the 2026/27 summer, the fire risk in the months
CapeNature welcomes conviction of Cape Town woman in case involving 145 reptiles
CapeNature welcomes the successful conviction of Mrs Jacqueline Hewett of Woodstock, Cape Town, on all six charges relating to the unlawful acquisition, possession and keeping in captivity of 145 reptiles. The offences involved snakes, geckos and lizards, including protected, endangered, alien invasive and prohibited species, kept at a shop in Lower Main Road, Observatory and her residence in Woodstock in March 2023.
Penguin Palooza 2026 returns to Stony Point in support of African Penguin conservation
Stony Point in Betty’s Bay is one of the last known locations on Earth where African Penguins still breed on the mainland, and the species is under growing pressure. On Saturday, 7 November 2026, Penguin Palooza returns to Stony Point Nature Reserve, giving the public a chance to learn about the species and the work CapeNature, SANCCOB and other partners are doing to protect it.
Robberg Nature Reserve named Best Outdoor Activity in 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards
Robberg Nature Reserve named Best Outdoor Activity in 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards. Robberg Nature Reserve has been named the Best Outdoor Activity in the Best of Knysna & Plett Readers’ Choice Awards 2026. The recognition follows months of nominations and voting by communities across Knysna, Plettenberg Bay and Sedgefield, making the award a meaningful reflection of the place Robberg holds in the local community.