Cape Town has added a new jewel to its network of protected areas with the official launch of the Schapenberg Nature Reserve in Somerset West. The reserve, located on the western slopes of the Schapenberg Hills, was unveiled by the City’s Deputy Mayor and Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Alderman Eddie Andrews, as part of Heritage Month celebrations.
Covering 14 hectares of Critically Endangered Swartland Shale Renosterveld, Schapenberg is now under City protection and management. This fragile ecosystem, home to dozens of threatened plant species and a wide range of wildlife, has long been at risk due to urban expansion and invasive alien vegetation. The City has already begun clearing alien plants to reduce fire risk and create space for indigenous flora to thrive.
Despite its modest size, Schapenberg connects with larger conservation corridors such as the 40-hectare Boskloof Conservation Area and has the potential to link with Vergelegen’s Nature Reserve and the Hottentots Holland Mountains. This makes it a critical piece in expanding ecological networks and strengthening biodiversity in the region.
For local residents and visitors, the reserve offers sweeping views of False Bay and surrounding mountains, as well as outdoor activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and guided walks. Plans are underway to add more sustainable trails and environmental education programmes, turning the reserve into an outdoor classroom for schools and communities.
Alderman Andrews emphasised that the reserve represents both conservation and opportunity. “With Schapenberg, we are not only conserving intact natural habitat but also helping to future-proof our city against climate change. The reserve will also create opportunities for learning, training, and local job creation.”
Twelve plant species of conservation concern can be found here, including the Endangered Autumn Bobbejaantjie and the Vulnerable Pearl Afrikaner. This makes Schapenberg an important site for both ecological preservation and scientific research.
The City is calling on local communities, schools, and interest groups to get involved through botanical surveys, environmental education programmes, and trail maintenance initiatives. By encouraging participation, the reserve aims to instil a sense of ownership and pride while building capacity for long-term stewardship.
Open 365 days a year from sunrise to sunset, Schapenberg is set to become a sanctuary where conservation, education, and community impact come together—bringing Capetonians closer to their natural heritage while protecting some of the country’s most endangered landscapes.
