Cape Town’s conservation footprint could soon grow significantly, with the City preparing to seek Council approval for two new nature reserves and the expansion of five existing protected areas.
The proposal, endorsed by the Mayoral Committee, would add approximately 950 hectares to the City’s managed reserves. In the Helderberg area, plans are underway to proclaim the 13,2-hectare Schapenberg Nature Reserve on the Schapenberg Hills in Somerset West, along with the 75-hectare Paardevlei Nature Reserve, also in Somerset West.
In addition, Council support will be requested to expand Harmony Flats Nature Reserve in Strand, Table Bay Nature Reserve in Milnerton, Uitkamp Wetland Nature Reserve in Durbanville, Witzands Aquifer Nature Reserve in Atlantis and Wolfgat Nature Reserve in Macassar. The largest of these proposed expansions is Witzands Aquifer Nature Reserve, which would grow by more than 800 hectares.
According to the City’s Deputy Mayor and Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Alderman Eddie Andrews, the reserves serve not only as spaces for recreation and environmental education, but also as strategic biodiversity offsets that enable responsible urban development without compromising critical ecosystems.
Once Council approval is secured, the City will submit the proposed proclamations to the Western Cape MEC for Environmental Affairs and Development Planning for gazetting. The process will include a formal notice of intent and a 60-day public participation period.
Schapenberg Nature Reserve, launched in September last year, has already seen alien vegetation clearing to reduce fire risk. Plans are underway to introduce guided walks, educational initiatives and conservation-focused activities that balance access with environmental protection.
If approved, the expansion signals a continued commitment to safeguarding Cape Town’s unique biodiversity while integrating conservation into the city’s long-term spatial planning strategy.
