OVERBERG RENOSTERVELD CONSERVATION TRUST NEWS
Newsletter 32 | Dec 2023
by Dr Odette Curtis-Scott.
A win for renosterveld: But more is needed
It is said that it is both a blessing and a curse to feel so deeply. I think all of us at the ‘coalface’ of conservation can identify with this. But so can many who can see how a landscape has changed, or who read about our human impacts on nature in our newspapers. Our hearts are filled with heaviness by the loss we are seeing across the globe, as well as locally in the Overberg. These rates of loss have not slowed down and one wonders how many treasures have been lost before they were even given a name. On the other hand, our deeply-felt passion is what keeps us inspired and determined to keep fighting the good fight. While we share mostly our ‘feel-good’ stories through these newsletters, know that underneath all these happy and serene stories is some frantic paddling! The constant race to secure funds, to change the hearts of some uncaring landowners, to understand and address mining applications, to developing the tools which inspire and enable people to learn and care more about our incredible renosterveld habitats, is an ongoing one. This year, we can look back on some pretty significant achievements, including the purchase of an additional 500ha to add to the Haarwegskloof Renosterveld Reserve, the tagging of more Black Harriers, and more restoration interventions. The ORCT is proud to share with you our latest news. I wish you the very best for the festive season and thank you for your support, whether it is financial, in-kind, or moral – without you, we would not be where we are today! Thank you. Kind regards, Odette Curtis-Scott Overberg Renosterveld Conservation Trust
A test for new tech: SA’s largest wind farm comes to the Overberg
A new wind farm approved near Swellendam is set to be the biggest in South Africa. But in the heart of the Overberg, this also means an added layer of risk for our indigenous species.
Pedals, plants & peace: A renosterveld stop on the Overberg Meander
How does a week of gravel cycling through the Overberg’s rolling hills and secret valleys sound? If you’re drawn to quiet back roads, big skies, and even bigger adventures, cyclist Brenda Silberbauer and her crew have a tip for you: make sure the Haarwegskloof Renosterveld Reserve is on your route.
Haarwegskloof declared a Nature Reserve: A win for renosterveld conservation
In a victory for biodiversity conservation, Haarwegskloof – which includes the largest remaining connected stretch of renosterveld left on Earth – has officially been declared a Nature Reserve.