Diepklowe Projects

The Diepklowe Nature Reserve is an area of rare biodiversity and socio-historical significance. The 220ha landscape is comprised predominantly of the Renosterveld biome and is managed by The Diepklowe Conservation Trust (DCT). Diepklowe reserve forms part of a conglomerate of four neighbouring properties referred to collectively as The Van Der Stel Cluster, as well as also forming part of the greater Groenlandberg Conservancy, which is a registered member of the Cape Nature Land Stewardship Program. 

Preservation of the endemic biome, and the restoration of disturbed land is a priority for the DCT. It is therefore imperative that long-term Reserve Management Strategies are put in place. The first of these is the Invasive Plant Management Plan, which is currently being executed.

The majority of invasive plant management within Diepklowe reserve is within the Klowe River, which is flows through the property and is key for a healthy biome.  The biodiversity of the riverine corridors within the reserve are currently under threat from common invasive trees, such as black wattle, blue gum and Port Jackson. Ecosystem services that we aim to protect include the storage and delivery of clean water, fire regulation, nutrient cycling, and to support the indigenous flora and fauna. The Invasive Plant Management Plan identifies zones within the reserve that require significant early work, after which a maintenance plan will be implemented to support the succession of indigenous tree and shrub species. For more information on the zones, and how they will be approached, please read the Invasive Plant Management Plan below.

INVASIVE PLANT MANAGEMENT PLAN

iNaturalist App - species list