Hermanus Golf Club Wetlands
A Success Story of Conservation and Restoration
01.
Where It All Began
Twenty years ago, a group of passionate golfers decided to restore the wetlands at Hermanus Golf Club to their natural beauty. Their goal was to enhance the golfing experience by creating a vibrant ecosystem where golfers and visitors could play amidst the breathtaking colors of fynbos, ericas, sedges, and proteas. The once impenetrable pine and gum forests near today’s 27th hole were transformed into thriving wetlands, now alive with clicking stream frogs, darting endemic birds, and rich biodiversity.
02.
Why Wetlands Matter
Wetlands are the third most important life support system on Earth, providing critical habitats for birds, amphibians, fish, invertebrates, and even mammals like otters and mongooses. They play vital roles in:
• Act as nature’s water filters, absorbing excess nutrients.
• Regulate water flow, preventing floods and erosion.
• Retain water in their soils, ensuring a steady water supply.
Over 50% of South Africa’s wetlands are gone, making their conservation vital under the Ramsar Convention’s commitment to protect and wisely use these ecosystems.
03.
The Golf Club’s Heritage
Situated in the Overstrand’s biodiversity hotspot, where mountains meet coastal shelf marshes, Hermanus Golf Club protects vital wetland remnants. Once part of expansive wetlands, these habitats face growing threats from urban development, but the club is leading efforts to conserve this unique natural corridor. Hermanus Golf Club has made conservation a priority by:
• Restoring wetlands and conserving 11 hectares as “no-go” zones.
• Using indigenous plants to connect wetlands with the Kleinrivier Mountains.
• Carefully managing irrigation to maintain natural water levels.
• Gradually eradicating alien tree species that harm wetland health.
04.
Fire Management for Healthy Wetlands
Fire is a natural part of the fynbos ecosystem, helping plants regenerate and ensuring wetland species remain productive. A controlled burning plan has been developed to mimic natural cycles and sustain the wetlands’ ecological balance.
05.
Flora to Look Out For
The restoration has brought back some rare and fascinating species:
• Erica capillaris, re-emerging in seasonal wetland fringes.
• Erica villosa, once believed endemic, has been spotted again.
• The marsh daisy, a key species in Overstrand coastal wetlands.
06.
A Green Golfing Success
Through a combination of careful planning, stakeholder collaboration, and a commitment to sustainability, the Hermanus Golf Club is proving that conservation and urban development can coexist. Residents and golfers alike now support the initiative, ensuring its long-term success.
Next time you visit, take a moment to admire not just the greens but the vibrant wetlands that make Hermanus Golf Club so unique.
This isn’t just golf – it’s a celebration of nature.
