The City of Cape Town has launched the Schapenberg Nature Reserve in Somerset West, adding to its network of protected areas.
Located on the western side of the Schapenberg Hills, the reserve offers visitors panoramic views of False Bay and the Kogelberg, Hottentots Holland and Peninsula mountains.
Covering 14 hectares of critically endangered Swartland Shale Renosterveld, the site hosts many threatened plant species. It adjoins the 40-hectare private Boskloof Conservation Area, with potential to link to Vergelegen Nature Reserve and the Hottentots Holland Mountains via Morgenster Estate.
Deputy Mayor and Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Eddie Andrews, opened the reserve. “I’ve visited Schapenberg earlier today and was blown away by the spectacular views from the hill. To see the highly threatened Swartland Shale Renosterveld now under protection makes me extra proud. When we took over the land two months ago, we immediately began alien clearing to reduce fire risk and this work will continue,” said Andrews.
The reserve is open daily from sunrise to sunset, with walking, hiking and birdwatching available. Future activities will include additional trails, guided walks, night walks and environmental education programmes.
