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
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Latest Renosterveld News
Some good and bad renosterveld news this Earth Day. Not many know about a major new windfarm that has been approved in the Overberg. It’s to be situated along the N2, close to Swellendam. And it will be South Africa’s largest, privately-owned windfarm.
Three years of remarkable renosterveld restoration
Three years may seem to pass by quickly. But in the world of nature, it’s enough time for real, tangible change to take root. This is especially the case when humans – both as donors and implementers – lend a helping hand.
From hyenas to Haarwegskloof: Meet our new Reserve Manager
Amauréé Jansen van Vuuren may have drifted towards the larger – and sometimes more dangerous mammals – in her career to date. But she is not afraid to embrace the intricate, detailed and complex world of renosterveld.
