OVERBERG RENOSTERVELD CONSERVATION TRUST NEWS
Newsletter 38 | Dec 2025
by Dr Odette Curtis-Scott
The power of collective energy – #ForNature
It’s truly awe-inspiring to see what happens when like-minded people come together around a cause that touches their hearts. When that collective energy fuels efforts to protect our natural world, it carries even more meaning.
This past year, we’ve witnessed the power of these voices – YOUR voice – making a real difference for our renosterveld habitat and its wildlife.
Because of your vote, our special and threatened Black Harrier was crowned BirdLife’s Bird of the Year. Starting 1 January 2026, we have a full 365 days to champion the conservation of this incredible species – a beacon of hope at a time when it faces serious threats. It’s also seen us play an integral role in the development of the Black Harrier Conservation Action Plan – a tool to guide the Black Harrier Task Force on its mission to ensure effective protection and recovery of the species. More here
The ORT has been in the spotlight too recently, through receiving the WWF Living Planet Award. We are deeply honoured to be named the 2025 organisational winner and grateful to WWF South Africa for this recognition.
Planning our retreats for 2026
And, of course, the enthusiasm for our Wild & Wise retreats at our Haarwegskloof Renosterveld Reserve has been overwhelming. Most of our retreats sold out this year, and we’re already planning the 2026 line-up. We can’t wait to welcome you back.
But with every victory comes a reminder of the challenges we still face. On this World Wildlife Conservation Day, it’s important to highlight that many of these efforts arise because of threats looming over our natural heritage. That includes the recent concerns about a nuclear power station proposed at Bantamsklip near Pearly Beach. This development poses significant risks to our precious Cape Floral Kingdom. And once again, nature lovers and conservationists will turn to you to raise your voice for this cause.
As we prepare for our festive season break and gear up for a fresh start in 2026, we want to leave you with one heartfelt message: Thank you. None of this would be possible without your continued support, which is a constant reminder, when times get tough, that what we are doing is important, and matters.
Kind regards,
Odette Curtis-Scott
An invisible crisis in renosterveld
The tiny relationships holding everything together. Together with fire, these animals drove the structure of the renosterveld ecosystem and the constantly changing ratios of shrubs to grasses.
Tracking young Black Harriers reveals a harsh reality
Every young Black Harrier that leaves the nest faces an uncertain future. For this endangered raptor, the first year of life is the most dangerous – a time when hunger, predators and wildfire can all prove fatal.
Quartz islands in renosterveld: Small, specialised – and under threat
When walking through renosterveld, your eye may suddenly catch bright white patches shimmering among the green-grey vegetation. These patches look like small islands surrounded by typical renosterveld vegetation – and that is exactly why they are called quartz islands.