The Schapenberg Sir Lowry's Conservancy recently launched their Biodiversity and Wine Walks in the Helderberg basin on the Schapenberg Hills in the Somerset West, Sir Lowry's Pass vicinity.

THE AIM - to restore and preserve the land within the Conservancy identified by the City as Biodiversity corridors
(see report) including about 5 km along the banks of the Sir Lowry's Pass River. Much of the area was ravaged by the recent devastating fires in February 2009.

The walks will follow biodiversity corridors and be guided to educate as to the importance of the corridors. Wine tasting will be offered. Monies from the walks will go towards restoring and preserving the endangered land within the Conservancy identified by the City as Critical Irreplaceable Biodiversity areas.

Click here to go to a manual slideshow on the Schapenberg walks

Participating in the project are 6 wine farms - Waterkloof, Onderkloof, Mt Rozier, Journey's End, Wedderwill, and Da Capo and other landowners - such as Highbury, Myrtle Grove and Ravensberg over whose properties the walks will traverse.

Wedderwill and Waterkloof are Biodiversity and Wine initiative BWI champions and other landowners are applying for BWI membership. ( www.bwi.co.za) Local equestrian centres will offer horse trails.

Waterkloof will shortly open a restaurant and Ongegund will open a tea garden and both facilities will be available for walk participants. Picnics will be offered. There is a choice of guest house accommodation in the area.

The project has been endorsed by the Biodiversity and Wine initiative's Inga Kotze, Pat Holmes of the City of Cape Town, Barbara Court of the Sir Lowry's Pass Tourism Initiative, Dave McDonald of the Helderberg Conservation Forum and Cape Town Tourism who will all give practical support.

Funding/ Sponsorship is sought to assist in the early phase of the project until the initiative is self funding. Money is required for advertising, training of guides and to assist land owners clear burnt and alien infected natural areas.

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