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
Fire and renosterveld: New research guides management actions
How frequently should renosterveld in the Overberg burn? A decade-long study has sought to answer this question.
Black Harrier research: More satellite tags urgently needed
Please consider donating to the Black Harrier Project, either directly via our online donation platforms, or by contacting the ORT directly.
Latest Renosterveld News
Renosterveld doesn’t follow a calendar. This year our renosterveld landscapes in the Overberg seemed convinced that spring had already arrived early in August.
Supporting landowners for a better farm: What we do
When the Overberg Renosterveld Conservation Trust signs an easement with landowners in the Overberg, it’s only the start of the journey – and the work.
World’s first renosterveld app launched – your ideal outdoor partner
The Overberg Renosterveld Conservation Trust (ORCT) has launched the world’s first renosterveld mobile phone app, called Field Guide to Renosterveld. This allows you to identify 1 600 plant and animal species during your renosterveld adventures, all in the palm of your hand.
