Image related to website content

New nature reserve secures rare Cape Vernal Pools habitat

30 Jul 2025

The Franco Three Fountains Nature Reserve is declared a protected area, marking a significant conservation turning point as the first and only reserve dedicated to safeguarding the rare and ecologically important Cape Vernal Pools (a rare and endangered type of seasonal wetland ecosystem found within the Greater Cape Floristic Region). This unique vegetation type, previously unrepresented across our conservation areas, now finds its largest protected expanse within the boundaries of this reserve.

CapeNature facilitates the legal administrative process to declare these sites as protected areas in terms of the National Environmental Protected Areas Act (NEMPAA). The reserve was declared on 11 April 2025. Situated within the Three Fountains Estate in the Klein Dassenberg smallholdings area, the land is privately owned and spans over 20 hectares. The Franco Property Trust owns and manages the reserve through trustees, Tony and Jodie Franco, whose vision and commitment made this conservation milestone possible.

The reserve is home to a mosaic of Endangered and Critically Endangered habitats and species, including Atlantis Sand Fynbos and Swartland Shale Renosterveld. It also protects seasonal wetlands, vernal pools and ephemeral streams that feed into the Donkergat River system and ultimately drain through Blaauwberg Nature Reserve into the Atlantic Ocean at Melkbosstrand.

A botanical survey of the site has recorded 156 plant species, including 22 species of conservation concern. A few of these are recognised as being Critically Endangered, while several more are listed as Endangered.

The establishment of this Provincial Nature Reserve is yet another positive step in conserving the irreplaceable biodiversity of the Western Cape. This reserve protects unique ecosystems and threatened species, while demonstrating what can be achieved through responsible stewardship and long-term commitment to conservation

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

What began as an effort to clear invasive plants has grown into a long-term commitment to restoring rare and threatened habitats. The declaration is an example of what is possible when private landowners embrace conservation as a shared responsibility.

Trustee, Jodie Franco

Successfully declaring the reserve comes after decades of environmental pressure. In 2022, a significant clearing operation began, after more than 60 years of invasive alien plant infestation, mainly from Rooikrans and Port Jackson. Although a major wildfire that same year destroyed infrastructure and impacted recovering plant populations, rehabilitation efforts were quickly restarted. By 2024, the site had entered a maintenance phase, with reinstalled fencing and signage and an ambitious replanting programme.

To date, more than 3 000 Cape thatching reed (Elegia tectorum) seedlings and nearly 1 000 translocated wetland and fynbos plants, rescued from nearby developments, have been introduced to restore ecological balance and habitat resilience.

The addition of the Franco Three Fountains Nature Reserve to the province’s protected area network demonstrates the impact of private land stewardship in addressing conservation gaps. CapeNature encourages other landowners to explore similar pathways to formally protect ecologically significant sites and contribute to broader environmental goals.

Landowners who are considering having their land formally protected can contact CapeNature’s Antia Wheeler on awheeler@capenature.co.za and Kaylin Reid on kreid@capenature.co.za.

Share:

Related News

Cape Nature goes cashless at select nature reserves
29 Oct 2025
CapeNature goes cashless at select nature reserves

In line with its commitment to service excellence, sustainability, and safety, CapeNature is excited to announce the transition to a fully cashless payment system at five of its flagship nature reserves from 2 February 2026.

CN Fire campaign
28 Oct 2025
Public urged to stay alert this fire season: Prevent wildfires, save lives

CapeNature is calling on the public to stay alert and proactive as the wildfire season gears up, reminding all that the cost of runaway fires is far greater than many realise. 

The elusive Endangered Erica cunoniensis rediscovered by Cape Nature
23 Oct 2025
Rare Erica species rediscovered after nearly four decades

After an unsuccessful search in 2012, the rare Erica cunoniensis was feared extinct, but in September 2025, a team of conservationists made a rediscovery of this Endangered plant species, found for the first time in nearly four decades.

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.

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.