Three Dams in Fernkloof

Where natural vegetation, undisturbed from pre-development times surround a town reservoir or control runoff in the catchment area of the local river, the citizens have a treasure.

The indigenous groundcover optimises not only infiltration of rain water into the ground, but maintains complex relationships among all local organisms forming a diverse ecology. This ecology of nature’s balance in soil components, micro-organisms, plants, insects, birds, mammals, amphibians and reptiles is a complete micro-world sustaining itself if given the chance. Loss of such places is often irreversible.

The Hermanus fynbos offers such a haven for the soul in the hills comprising the Fernkloof Nature Reserve. May trails and walkways grant access, also to the Three Dams area. Here citizens and guests can witness the best asset they still have to offer coming generations.

Protecting this should be an easy choice, a no-brainer. Alas, easy options have become rare in times when priorities compete so fiercely among the needs and wants of a growing population. Or, given human nature, long term benefits often lose out to short-term need gratification, irrespective of the times. Thinking things through and deciding wisely are obligations of every generation. The problem never goes away.

But the issues change continually and some losses remain irreversible. Some towns opted for a mine instead of their forgotten forest or grassland. What will Hermanus do with its fynbos?