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The
property was purchased in early 1996 following an uncontrollable fire
that raged across thousands of hectares, part of which make up the
Walker
Bay Fynbos Conservancy today. Though it is a relatively small piece of
land (156ha) it contains a remarkable variety of vegetation as well
as
a breathtaking view and vantage point in the region.
We are exploring low maintenance olive production along tracks on the
farm as well as harvesting fynbos for the local market, clearing Rooikrans
and studying the micro-environment on the property.
 The
land traditionally belonged to a Bredasdorp cattle farming family and
it was used for winter grazing. It comprises two hillsides of limestone
fynbos as well as an ancient Milkwood forest in the low lying strandveld
in an area going towards Stanford called Koude Vlakte. This forest, together
with Grootbos are amongst the last remaining Milkwood forests in the region.
Brita
Lomba is a dedicated conservationist and her dream for the conservancy
is to work on initiating a restocking programme on approximately 2000
hectares in front of Southern Blooms with game. The idea is to incorporate
Koude Vlakte into the conservancy and bring in Mountain Zebra, Bontebok,
Steenbok, Rhino, Wildebeest, Guinea Fowl, porcupines and other animals.
We believe that a game reserve in the area will be a great boost for
tourism
and also generate employment in Stanford. Studies considering the
effect of fauna on the flora of the region could be very interesting
and the revenue brought into the area by utilisation of game has great
potential
in the long term.
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