Welcome to Pledge Nature Reserve
Pledge Nature Reserve was declared in terms of a Provincial Government Gazette Notice of 11 October 1991 a Local Nature Reserve and covers approximately 10ha. It is administered by the Pledge Nature Reserve Trust Nowadays it is hard to believe that less than a century ago this green heart of Knysna had been reduced to a brickfield and thereafter used as a dumping ground, which sullied the once clear streams. Concerned townsfolk were instrumental in having the Reserve proclaimed and negotiated a long term lease with the Knysna Municipality. What followed was a concerted and eventually highly successful, attempt to eradicate alien vegetation and restore the place to its original natural splendour.
Dams were created to trap the silt and purify the water which eventually flows into the lagoon. Pools are encircled by indigenous trees, thereby forming an attractive centrepiece to the lower area of the Reserve which is easily accessible as it is only 200m from the main road and wheel-chair friendly. Here, those who may not want, or are unable to walk the trails can relax on one of the many benches and experience the peace and tranquillity which Pledge offers.
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Without doubt for those who can, it is well worth following the meandering trails along the streams to the Reserve’s highest point, where the view over the town and across the water to the distant Knysna Heads is the ultimate reward. Our very popular full-moon walks to this viewpoint, adds an unusual dimension to this experience.
The Reserve falls within the Cape Floral Kingdom, which, with its 8600 plant species, is the worlds' richest temperate flora. At Pledge we constantly endeavour to increase our selection of locally indigenous species and at latest count we have identified in excess of 200 species, making it an ideal place for people of all ages to view the indigenous flora of the Southern Cape.
Before reclamation work began on Pledge Nature Reserve, bird-life was essentially non-existent. Few birds were attracted to the area because of the sterile wattle thickets. In the early 1990’s, no more than 47 species were recorded, while by the end of the 1990’s some 80 species had been sighted, reflecting positively on the health of the reserve. The current count is still at this level.
No attempt has yet been made to compile a list of small mammals, reptiles and amphibians found in the Reserve. From casual sightings it is obvious that animal and reptile life in the Reserve is growing and it would be of interest to know that there are small buck, porcupine, mongoose, spotted genet, and a breeding colony francolin all living in this urban sanctuary
The bird and plant lists are updated regularly and can be found on our website: www.pledgenaturereserve.org
| NEWS |
| Our next Night walk is on 10/12/11 at 20.00hrs. Please contact Mervyn on 083 629 9201 to book. The R35.00 pp donation includes snacks and drinks. Bring torch or headlamp and comfortable shoes. |
| NOW IN FLOWER in Pledge Nature Reserve! |
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