By Adrian Robinson – RBRC Chairperson

Our Management Committee does a lot of planning and offers ongoing support to the Conservancy personnel during the year, but most of the time this happens very much behind the scenes and may go underappreciated. We have invited our Chairperson to share an inspiring end-of-year message with our readers.

Reflections on 2025

As we approach the end of 2025, it is deeply rewarding for the Management Committee to witness the continued progress and strengthening of our Conservancy. This year has been characterised by significant achievements and encouraging developments, all made possible through the collective efforts of our members, supporters and dedicated staff.

Growth in membership

There has been a remarkable increase in new members within the Nuy Valley. This growth is largely attributed to the enthusiastic efforts of Thalia, our Conservation Assistant, whose positive attitude and willingness to reach out to everyone she meets has made a substantial difference.

Conservancy Vulnerable Plant Species Mapping project

Another key milestone for the year was the completion of phase one of the Conservancy Vulnerable Plant Species Mapping project. This achievement would not have been possible without the generous cooperation of the landowners, who kindly granted us access to their properties. Our botanist, Steve Molteno, covered many square kilometres surveying the flora to produce this report.

Educational outreach at Vinkrivier Primary School

In addition, Thalia led several successful workshops at Vinkrivier Primary School, engaging the school children on topics including the importance of water, owls in the Succulent Karoo, doorway to conservation garden, leopards in the Langeberg and Robertson’s frogs. Through these lessons we hope to foster excitement and interest for future conservation.

We have been fortunate enough to receive funding via WWF South Africa to assist with growing and improving our small nursery, where members are able to purchase indigenous plants at reasonable prices.

Finally, we have an exciting and ambitious project for 2026. It’s still early days, but if it goes ahead, it could be a fantastic project for the area. All I’ll say for now is — Mountain Zebra will be involved. Wishing everyone a blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year.