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. With generous donations of plant material from a nursery in Robertson, we are now able to begin propagating our own indigenous and traditional plants on-site.
The purpose of this project is twofold: to conserve biodiversity and to empower local communities. Together, CapeNature, SANBI Karoo National Garden, community representatives, and our partners are working to create a community garden that will not only safeguard indigenous plants but also provide social, educational, and economic benefits.
Project Goals and Benefits
- Propagation, Growth & Conservation: Cultivating indigenous and traditional plants for culinary, medicinal, and cultural purposes.
- Education & Wellbeing: Establishing a significant portion of the garden for school visits, environmental education programmes, and community learning.
- Sanctuary for Rescued Plants: Providing safe refuge for plants rescued from illegally developed or disturbed areas within the Succulent Karoo biome.
- Community Empowerment: Training and supporting local community members to become partners in maintaining the nursery, selling medicinal plants, and promoting awareness on the wide use of natural resources.
- Economic Opportunities: Hosting monthly market days where plants, produce, and other community goods will be sold, creating sustainable livelihoods linked to biodiversity.
Current Phase: Towards a Functional Garden
The project was originally scheduled to commence in 2021, but unforeseen delays meant progress was slowed. We are now in Phase Three: Functional Garden (Year 3 onwards), which involves:
- Developing a Business Plan and Operational Plan under CapeNature’s Biodiversity Economy Projects framework, in collaboration with SANBI Karoo National Garden.
- Establishing a Project Team/Committee to ensure accountability and progress. This includes:
- Graham Lewis – SEO CapeNature
- Conservation Officer – Vrolijkheid Nature Reserve
- Ricardo Riddles – SANBI (with students)
- Community Representatives
- Appointment of a Chairperson/Project Leader to coordinate meetings and track milestones.
- Appointment of a Secretary to record decisions, maintain documentation, and ensure transparent communication.
Looking Ahead
The nursery at Vrolijkheid is more than just a garden – it is a hub for conservation, education, and economic growth. By cultivating and conserving indigenous plants while creating sustainable opportunities for local people, the project will serve as a living example of how biodiversity conservation can be directly linked to community wellbeing.
We look forward to strengthening our partnerships, welcoming further plant donations (particularly from areas impacted by illegal developments), and seeing the nursery flourish into a space that nurtures both nature and community.
Related News
Firefighters honoured after one of the Western Cape's toughest fire seasons
CapeNature hosted an appreciation event in Velddrif on 4 August 2026 to honour firefighters who were on the frontlines during the Western Cape's most recent fire season. A representative group attended the event on behalf of CapeNature's larger cohort of Field Rangers and firefighters working across the Province. Despite extreme heat and challenging terrain, the firefighters remained steadfast in their commitment to protecting communities, infrastructure and the Western Cape's
CapeNature welcomes the conviction of Cape Town couple for wildlife crime
CapeNature welcomes the sentence imposed by the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court on Mr Zirkie Bernardus Jansen and Mrs Valerie Gayle Simpson-Jansen of Kirstenhof following their conviction on multiple offences relating to the unlawful keeping, possession and transport of reptiles. The couple were each sentenced on 30 July 2026 to pay a fine of R40 000 or serve 18 months’ imprisonment after being convicted on seven counts under the Nature Conservation Ordinance 19 of 1974.
The joy of being outdoors
Life has a way of becoming busy, but sometimes the greatest luxury is simply slowing down. Imagine waking up to fresh mountain air, taking a gentle stroll beneath towering trees, listening to birdsong, or enjoying a quiet cup of coffee while overlooking breathtaking natural landscapes. These are the moments that help us reconnect with ourselves and appreciate the simple joys of life. We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to experience the restorative power of nature. That's why we're inviting senior citizens to enjoy peaceful escapes across the Western
Freshwater science takes centre stage at the 2026 SASAqS Conference
The Southern African Society of Aquatic Scientists (SASAqS) is a learned society concerned with the research, management and conservation of inland waters and their associated biota throughout southern Africa. Established in 1964 as the Limnological Society of South Africa, SASAqS provides an important forum for discussion and sharing of scientific ideas. The two cornerstones of the society's activities are the annual conference and the African Journal of Aquatic Science.
Marine Protected Areas hold the key to human wellbeing
On 1 August, we celebrate Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) Day, a global occasion first marked in 2021 to recognise the role that MPAs play in conserving our oceans while supporting the wellbeing of people and communities. The day encourages us to appreciate the value of MPAs and the many ways they benefit both us and the extraordinary marine biodiversity they are designed to protect. This year's theme, "Ocean Protection Needs Human Connection," reminds us that conserving our oceans is a shared responsibility.
Bringing Conservation to Life Through Storytelling, Film and Digital Media
When was the last time a film, photograph or story about nature made you stop and feel something? Perhaps it was a breathtaking wildlife documentary. A short social media reel that transported you to a mountain peak. A travel video that inspired your next adventure. Or a story that highlighted the impact of a wildfire and reminded you why conservation matters. Every adventure has a story. Watch ours on our YouTube channel and subscribe for more.