Image related to website content

Haarwegskloof Declared Nature Reserve

19 Jun 2025

In a major victory for biodiversity conservation, Haarwegskloof, which includes the largest remaining connected stretch of renosterveld left on Earth has officially been declared a provincial nature reserve.

The reserve is owned by WWF South Africa and managed by the Overberg Renosterveld Trust (ORT), a non-profit organisation dedicated to protecting and restoring the fragile renosterveld ecosystem that once covered large parts of the Overberg.

Located between Swellendam and Bredasdorp in the Overberg region, Haarwegskloof Renosterveld Nature Reserve spans 547 ha of Critically Endangered Eastern Rûens Shale Renosterveld. It’s home to a remarkable diversity of endemic and rare plant species. Threatened bird species such as Black Harrier and Cape Vulture have been recorded here, as well as secretive mammals, including Aardwolf and Aardvark.

20160528 172434 W12 1240
DJI 0755
Jdk Photography 91
DJI 0760
Whats App Image 2020 10 13 at 08 36 38


CapeNature facilitates the legal administrative process to declare these sites as protected areas in terms of the National Environmental Protected Areas Act (Act 57 of 2003). The declaration, made in April 2025 by Western Cape Provincial Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning Anton Bredell, cements the site’s status as a vital stronghold for one of South Africa’s most threatened ecosystems.

Minister Bredell congratulated the different stakeholders for working together to make this conservation initiative a reality.

We have excellent environmental legislation in South Africa, but without passionate and dedicated stakeholders, it would mean very little. I am especially proud of the work CapeNature continues to do to expand the conservation estate in the province. We know that healthy biodiversity is key to protect and buffer us against extreme weather and climate change. But more than that, we owe it to future generations to protect our unique and precious natural environment.

Anton Bredell, Western Cape Provincial Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning

CapeNature CEO Dr Ashley Naidoo said CapeNature, the ORT, and WWF South Africa have a long-standing relationship with each other.

This declaration is an acknowledgement of the ongoing and admirable conservation efforts that the ORT is carrying out in the Overberg. CapeNature supports these efforts through assessing and reviewing the biodiversity value of these important biodiversity areas. Through stewardship facilitation, legal support and on-the-ground collaboration, CapeNature continues to assist in securing the future of some of the Western Cape’s most vulnerable ecosystems.

Dr Ashley Naidoo, CEO of CapeNature

For Dr Odette Curtis-Scott, CEO and Founder of the ORT, the declaration marks a milestone in the journey to protect this irreplaceable landscape.

Renosterveld is one of the most threatened vegetation types in South Africa, with an estimated 5% of its original extent intact. Much of it has been ploughed for agriculture, and what little remains is highly fragmented, making the formal protection of Haarwegskloof as a nature reserve really important

Dr Odette Curtis-Scott, CEO and Founder of the ORT

The declaration provides the highest level of legal protection under the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act. It ensures that the Haarwegskloof Renosterveld Nature Reserve will remain dedicated to conservation efforts, while allowing for scientific research, habitat restoration and low-impact eco-tourism activities.

Renosterveld is part of the Cape Floristic Region, which is a global biodiversity hotspot and one of only six floral kingdoms in the world. Despite its ecological importance, renosterveld has received far less attention and protection than its fynbos counterpart, largely because it occurs on fertile soils that have been extensively converted to farmland.

Lachenalia barbarae 1
Pelargonium 337 Hawston View 3
IMG 7064 2
20160528 201017 W12 1562 focus stacked


The ORT has been working for more than a decade to protect the fragments that remain by engaging with landowners to voluntarily sign conservation easements. Following this, ORT works with committed landowners to restore degraded habitat and address other threats to renosterveld.

Curtis-Scott added the declaration of Haarwegskloof as a nature reserve is key to these efforts and not just a win for conservation but also science and the countless species that call this extraordinary landscape home.

The declaration also serves as inspiration for a globally unique vegetation type facing functional extinction.

We hope our ongoing work with incredible partners and landowners will inspire further protection of renosterveld remnants throughout the region. Haarwegskloof stands as an example of what is possible when government and private organisations work together in conservation of our South African and Western Cape biodiversity.

Dr Odette Curtis-Scott, CEO and Founder of the ORT
Share:

Related News

New Conservancy to Protect Biodiversity in the Karoo image
16 Oct 2025
New Conservancy to Protect Biodiversity in the Karoo

A long-cherished dream has come true with the establishment of the 18 000 ha Karoo Gateway Conservancy in the Klaarstroom district. This initiative provides a strong framework for biodiversity conservation in the region through a voluntary agreement among landowners to manage their land in an environmentally sustainable way that promotes biodiversity conservation, eco-tourism, and sustainable agriculture.

Penguin Palooza Guest Invitation 2025 03 1
10 Oct 2025
Make space in your heart for penguins at Penguin Palooza 2025

African Penguins are now listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, with scientists warning they could vanish from the wild by 2035. CapeNature and SANCCOB are collaborating to protect the species at their annual Penguin Palooza event at Stony Point Nature Reserve.

Spotted Eagle Owl Scientific Name Bubo Africanus
9 Oct 2025
Man convicted and sentenced for attack on Protected Spotted Eagle-Owl thanks to joint efforts

CapeNature welcomes the successful conviction and sentencing of 38-year-old Mozambican national Gustigu Mthini, who was found guilty on four charges following a violent attack on a Protected Spotted Eagle-Owl along the Sea Point Promenade earlier this year.

Vrolijikheid Nature Reserve
2 Oct 2025
The Vrolijkheid Nursery Project is Growing Conservation Through Community

The nursery project at Vrolijkheid Nature Reserve has officially entered its early stages of becoming operational, marking an exciting step towards a collaborative conservation and community initiative. 

EPWP worker at Cape Nature
1 Oct 2025
Empowering Communities: How EPWP Transforms Lives Through Skills Development

A well-earned promotion to the permanent position of Maintenance Assistant at Goukamma Nature Reserve was granted to Mr. Graeme Highburg, an EPWP employee at Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve.

Bird Island Nature Reserve in Lamberts Bay
26 Sep 2025
Bird Island gets a fresh look with enhanced interpretive signage

Bird Island Nature Reserve has undergone a transformation just in time for World Tourism Day, with the unveiling of brand-new interpretive signage designed to elevate the visitor experience and public understanding of the Island’s unique biodiversity.