Vogelgat Private Nature Reserve, situated in the Klein River Mountains near Hermanus, has for many years served as a study site for various students, botanists and environmentalists whose work has significantly contributed to the conservation of the flora and fauna in the area.

Vogelgat is nestled between two other nature reserves, namely Fernkloof and Maanschynkop, realising a continuous swathe of natural fynbos across the Kleinriverberge.

The reserve is abundant floristically speaking; 965 species are found here with 13 considered rare. Of 1665 plant species found in the Vogelgat and Fernkloof reserves, 131 are only found in Vogelgat.

As the reserve lies only 125km east of Cape Town, it makes hiking and overnighting within easy reach for many of its members. The waterfalls and unique vistas are two of the many attractions to its members.

Conservation Highlights:

1. Based on its geographical position - situated between the Fernkloof Nature Reserve and the Maanschynkop Reserve - Vogelgat provides the important natural corridor along the Klein River Mountains in which plant species can continue their biodiversity.
2. There are nesting sites of the Black Eagle; and the streams, rock pools and waterfalls create the right environment for the recolonization of various invertebrate species.
3. Remnant relic forest areas are of importance, as these areas become smaller in size every time there is a fire in the reserve.
4. Excellent exposures of the Cape Fold Mountains occur in the reserve, with fractures and faults evident. These were of such interest that a paper was prepared in partial fulfilment of a BSc Honours in Geology, University of Cape Town: Deformation structures in the Table Mountain Group centred on Vogelgat Nature Reserve, Hermanus (Whittle-Herbert, 1990).
5. Although the size of the reserve is relatively small with 600ha, it is in the fortunate position of being bordered on either side by nature reserves of similar size. This creates an area without barriers to movement and reproduction of various species, thus maintaining viable gene pools.

Future Aims:

1. Extension of/ or acquisition of local conservation worthy land to enhance the biodiversity boundaries along mountain tops and ecological corridors to the ocean.
2. Provision of an international facility for researchers that will add benefit to the local conservation ethos.
3. Encouraging the principle of the “outdoor school” for students to experience ecological systems that drive nature firsthand.
4. Engaging a wider audience in order to expose those previously disadvantaged to fully appreciate a wilderness philosophy.
5. Always maintaining sound conservation relationships with neighbours as well as local and international conservation organisations.

Contact Details:

Giorgio Lombardi (Warden)

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