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Lower Silvermine Wetland Conservation Area

It took two years to rehabilitate the Lower Silvermine Wetland. The floodplain was initially planned to be canalised due to the flooding of nearby houses during the winter season, but a group of nature conservationists managed to ensure its rehabilitation instead. Remains of over 100-year-old dykes are found next to the wetlands as well as on Clovelly Beach. The nearly pristine Silvermine River runs from its source in the Silvermine Mountains to the sea in False Bay. A plant inventory has been compiled and many indigenous plant species have been reintroduced. The area is a breeding ground for the endangered Western leopard toad (Amietophrynus pantherinus), the arum lily frog (Hyperolius horstockii), the Cape river frog (Amietia fuscigula) and the clicking stream frog (Strongylopus grayii). Around 50 bird species are seen here. The area has a small mammal population of otter (Aonyx capensis), porcupine (Hystrix africaeaustralis) and Cape grysbok (Raphicerus melanotis). Water mongoose (Atilax paludinosusis) has also been observed.The Riverine Rovers, a sub-group of Friends of Silvermine Nature Area (FOSNA) assist with the day-to-day management of the area.

<h4>General enquiries</h4> Telephone: <a>021 701 1233</a>

Main Road, between Clovelly and Fish Hoek