From its source in the Hottentots Holland Mountains to its mouth at Strand, the Lourens River extends over 23 km. It travels through fynbos, alien plantations and farmland, as well as residential, commercial and light industrial areas. The pristine mountain catchment area and upper reaches are not freely accessible, as they are on private estates. The estuary at the mouth is not accessible to the public, but may be viewed through the fence from Strand Beach.
Challenges
Invasive alien plants, such as the black wattle (Acacia mearnsii) and kikuyu grass (Pennisetum clandestinum), as well as dumping, littering, squatting and illegal abstraction of water, are ongoing challenges.
In the lower reaches, the river passes the golf course on its way to the estuary at Strand, where interesting birds may be spotted. Sadly, the river is often cluttered with unsightly rubbish, and the banks are overgrown with thick grass.
ADDRESS: Somerset West to Strand
OPENING HOURS: Not applicable
SIZE: The river is 23 km long.
ENTRANCE FEE: None
PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Taxi
ACTIVITIES AND FACILITIES: Picnic area, hiking trails, birdwatching
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION: No formal programme
CONTACT: Tel 021 851 6982; fax 021 851 2148
E-MAIL: helderbergnature.reserve@capetown.gov.za
WEBSITE: www.helderbergnaturereserve.co.za
Source: City of Cape Town (2010) City of Cape Town nature reserves: A network of amazing biodiversity. City of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
Bank name Nedbank
Account name FYNBOSLIFE
Account number 1127617079
Branch code 198765
Please email proof of payment to info@fynboslife.com
Support us with a CoralBloom fynbos floral face mask or any CoralBloom textile homeware products (tea towels, napkin sets and table runners) – designed by Dr Michelle Jooste with botanical illustrations by Ann C. Jooste and Megan L. Jooste for our collaboration range exclusive to Happy by Nature. 5% of your purchase proceeds will be donated to FynbosLIFE. View options
Would you like to create your own community or school garden? Why not start your own fundraising campaign for our Cape Flats Fynbos Nursery to grow plants for your project’s original veld type?
Register as a FynbosLIFE champion on Back a Buddy