Greyton Conservation Society Conservation | Restoration | Integration
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Fynbos in flower on the slopes above Greyton, with the mountains behind.

Our work

Clear the invasive aliens and the fynbos returns

Rangers on the mountain, invasive alien plants cleared, and a programme built by and with the people who live here.

Greyton Nature Programme

People and nature thriving together.

This is a community-driven effort guided by GCS to help local residents to live in harmony with the nature around us. Together we are working to protect and nurture this shared environment, so that people and nature can thrive together here.

The programme includes:

  • Nature reserve management, including trail maintenance and signage
  • A team of Rangers who support co-existence with wildlife, including baboons
  • Environmental awareness raising and education
  • Clearing invasive plant species
  • Biodiversity monitoring and research

Supported by The Sophia Foundation

The Sophia Foundation supports the Greyton Nature Programme, matching community donations and fundraising Rand-for-Rand up to R500 000 per year.

Contribute

Invasive alien plant management

A major threat to a healthy biodiversity.

Invasive alien plants are a major threat to a healthy biodiversity in the catchment areas surrounding Greyton, potentially disrupting the delicate natural balance in ecosystems. We depend on a healthy biodiversity to secure our precious water supply and reduce the fire risk to the village. In addition, a naturally biodiverse landscape contributes to a feeling of wellbeing to those who spend time outdoors, bolstering Greyton’s tourism offering.

White everlastings in flower on a cleared slope above Greyton, with the mountains behind.

Water supply

Alien plants draw heavily on the catchment that feeds the village.

Fire risk

Dense stands of alien timber raise the fire threat to Greyton and its surrounds.

Biodiversity

Clearing lets the indigenous fynbos and renosterveld come back on their own.

Our partnerships with Theewaterskloof municipality, Cape Nature, Working on Fire, Zonderend, local non-profit company Wild Restoration and residents are all vital to assist in achieving our invasive alien plant clearing goals. Advice sought from experts in the field of restoration guides us in our work and assists us in prioritising, mapping and recording work done and setting realistic targets.

Veld regenerating on a cleared sand pit outside Greyton, with young growth coming back through the soil.

First Sunday of the month

The monthly alien hack

The monthly alien hack group is a band of local residents, visitors and enthusiasts who get together to clear invasive aliens from identified and prioritised areas surrounding Greyton. Join us every first Sunday of the month for 2 hours of ‘hacking’, always ending with a delicious tea-time treat and a chance to chat to like-minded people.

Complete the volunteer survey

Partners

Partnering is vital to our goals.

The Sophia Foundation CapeNature Theewaterskloof Municipality Wild Restoration Greyton MTB The Greyton Post

From the reserve

Meet the ranger team in ninety seconds.

Filmed in the reserve by the team themselves. Turn the sound on for the introductions.

Meet the team

The people you will meet on the mountain.

Francois, Conservation Manager, standing on a rocky outcrop in the reserve.

Francois

Conservation Manager

I am the Conservation Manager for the Greyton Nature Programme. I have experience in human and wildlife conflict, baboon behavioural systems, field operations, field research and community integrated conservation. I have a deep love for nature, in particular reptiles. I moved to Greyton from Pringle Bay, and am a proud father of two boys.

Sam, conservation team member, in the reserve with the mountains behind him.

Sam

Conservation team member

I have been working in the nature reserve for eight years. I have a passion for working with the people in nature as well as the baboons. I really enjoy what I do and look forward to coming to work every day. I enjoy working with the team, including the young team members.

Jirmaine, known as Thabo, conservation team member, out in the veld.

Jirmaine (Thabo)

Conservation team member

My name is Jirmaine Lewis, but my colleagues call me Thabo. I have been working in the nature reserve for nine years. I started in 2017 and have been here ever since. I love working with the group and have a passion for working with the baboons, as well as talking to the people who visit the nature reserve.

Julian, conservation team member, in the reserve.

Julian

Conservation team member

I have worked in the nature reserve since 2020 and still really enjoy what I do. I love working with the team for the spirit and energy we have together. I enjoy working with the animals in the reserve, like the snakes and baboons. I really like working with all kinds of people and talking to the visitors. My role includes making sure that important maintenance in the reserve is completed.

Ielermou, known as Lemmie, conservation team member, in the reserve.

Ielermou (Lemmie)

Conservation team member

My name is Ielermou, my teammates call me Lemmie. I have been working in the nature reserve since 2022, where I have learned a lot about nature and the baboons. My passion is to hike in nature with people and the troop of baboons. I really enjoy being around the team, helping them work well in the field. I like to talk to the people at the gate and introduce them to the park. My role includes keeping our social media up to date, so people can see what we are doing and get a feel for the nature we share.

See what they see

Lemmie keeps the reserve’s social media up to date, so you can get a feel for the nature we share.

@greytonnaturereserve

Membership

Every member makes this work possible.

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