The Duiwenhoks river winds through the kloofs of the Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve,
bordering on the conservancy. The river reaches the sea at the small town of Vermaaklikheid.

STATE OF THE
​DUIWENHOKS RIVER

However, along the way the river provides water to the town of Heidelberg, a small town which relies heavily on this water source.
 
Our commitment to the upper section involves clearing invasive alien vegetation, monitoring and collaborating with partners, ensuring it remains a lifeline for agriculture and to the town.
 
The Grootvadersbosch Conservancy team undertook river health assessments and collected fish data to better understand the health of the river. Here’s what we found. 

The current state
​of the riveR

The upper section of the river is in fair ecological condition, though there are signs of decline compared to the past two years. Significant invasive vegetation is present, along with evidence of sand extraction from the river.
 
The lower sections remain in relatively good condition but are dominated by invasive vegetation. Further downstream, pressures increase, with visible dumping, littering, car washing and use of the river for cleaning household items. Livestock are also present in the floodplain. In some stretches, the floodplain is severely eroded, with high, deeply cut riverbanks.

Recommended actions to be takeN

• Eradicate invasive alien vegetation along the river and floodplain.
• Curb dumping and littering through enforcement and awareness.
• Restrict unauthorized access to the river, including vehicles, machinery and inappropriate human use.
• Discourage harmful community practices such as car washing and cleaning in the river.
• Stabilise eroded banks and restore riparian vegetation to protect against further degradation.

Read the full report here

SASS5 data and fish data collected in partnership with CapeNature and the Breede Olifants Overberg Catchment Management Agency
[email protected]

CONTACT THE
​GROOTVADERSBOSCH CONSERVANCY

OFFICE HOURS: Mon to Thu: 7:30am to 5pm. Friday: 730 to 4pm. We are closed every second Friday.
MTB PERMITS: Available all hours at the Office (Cash in honesty box or Snapscan)

email

[email protected]
​

address

Map & Directions here