The Koringlands River runs through the middle of the town of Swellendam and starts in
the CapeNature-run Marloth Nature Reserve above town. As such, it’s an important water source for both the
​town and the surrounding farming community. 

STATE OF THE
KORINGLANDS RIVER

It’s also home to incredible biodiversity such as indigenous freshwater fish species, including Pseudobarbus vulneratus – listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. 
​
The Grootvadersbosch Conservancy has worked with the Swellendam Municipality and the Breede-Olifants Catchment Management Agency, to assist with restoring this river system, by removing invasive plant species such as wattle, eucalyptus and acacias.

​The conservancy team also 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 a near natural state with minimal invasive species. Although no fyke net monitoring was undertaken, indigenous fish are known to occur in this reach.

Further downstream, invasive vegetation becomes more prevalent, though the river remains in fairly good condition. In the lower sections of town, the ecological state declines to fair condition. Here, invasive plants dominate and visible disturbances, including litter, become more common. Activities such as washing cars close to the river are observed.

Recommended actions to be takeN

• Prioritise the removal of invasive vegetation and re-establish natural riparian buffers.
  
• Raise awareness on littering and other disturbances to river health.
  
• Educate communities about invasive plants, especially those spread from gardens into the riparian area.
  
• Discourage harmful activities such as car washing at lower river sites.
  
• Re-establish natural riparian buffer zones which will assist to stabilise riverbanks.
  

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