OVERBERG RENOSTERVELD CONSERVATION TRUST NEWS
Newsletter 37 | Aug 2025
by Dr Odette Curtis-Scott
Renosterveld breakthroughs: A double dose of good news
If you’ve been following us on social media, you may have seen some good renosterveld news recently. That’s why we’re popping into your inbox today – to share a cheerful update on renosterveld conservation.
The news that our Haarwegskloof Renosterveld Reserve has been officially declared a Nature Reserve made headlines around South Africa a few weeks ago.
Now, to add to this good news, we’ve partnered with our incredible friends at World Land Trust and the Mapula Trust to acquire another renosterveld site. This site is called Goereesoe – and what makes it extra special is that it is home to a phenomenal number of breeding Black Harriers.
We’ll also be declaring this 270-hectare area as a Nature Reserve, along with Plaatjieskraal (the 500 ha piece near Haarwegskloof that we bought last year).
Read more about Goereesoe here.
Do you know how this wonderful windfall of good news came about?
It’s thanks to YOU, our renosterveld friends –
from the landowners we work with, the donors who fund us, the partners who join our cause, and the friends who follow and support us.
Renosterveld still needs every bit of attention and focus we can give – given the massive loss we’ve seen to this vegetation type and all the wildlife that this habitat supports.
But if we can be the bearers of positive news for nature on this occasion, it gives us hope and drive to continue with this work.
Kind regards,
Odette Curtis-Scott
A bright new renosterveld daisy for the Overberg
A new species has just been added to the Cape Floral Kingdom, and more specifically to renosterveld. And it’s one that can only be found in the Overberg.
Seeing nature through new eyes
You don’t need expensive camera equipment to move from an average photographer to a skilled one.
A weekend of fire and spice: Our first retreat at Haarwegskloof
The first Wild & Wise Retreat at Haarwegskloof Renosterveld Reserve unfolded under a soft winter sun during a June weekend.
A rare look into the nocturnal life of the aardwolf
Aardwolves have long been resident in the Overberg region, including at the Haarwegskloof Renosterveld Reserve. Recently, we were fortunate to gain some insight into their secretive behaviour.
Critical renosterveld site acquired by the ORT – a breeding hotspot for Endangered Black Harriers
In the heart of South Africa’s Overberg, a stretch of Endangered Eastern Rûens Shale Renosterveld is now under conservation protection.
