South Africa’s plants tell some of the most extraordinary stories. Yet many of our plant species and ecosystems face mounting pressures from habitat loss and transformation, the spread of alien invasive species, unsustainable harvesting practices and ongoing climate change.

If we’re to protect our botanical treasures, we need more than just scientific expertise; we also need the energy, curiosity and participation of people from all walks of life.

Over the past year, BOT SOC, working closely with the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) and other conservation partners in the Western Cape, has been investing in a new generation of plant custodians. This project, called ‘Protecting and restoring South Africa’s natural heritage’, is funded by the National Lotteries Commission (NLC).

It has brought hundreds of BOT SOC members, volunteers, school groups and communities closer to South Africa’s natural heritage. And this story is still unfolding…

 Look, log and learn about nature

The first component of the project focuses on strengthening citizen science across the Western Cape, particularly through the BOT SOC and SANBI-supported Custodians of Rare and Endangered Wildflowers (CREW) programme.

The work is based on a simple idea: when people learn to recognise a plant, they are more likely to protect it.

Over the past year, 38 youth project participants joined CREW volunteers and BOT SOC members on plant-monitoring surveys, bioblitzes and alien-clearing excursions. Through hands-on learning, these young people identified plants, recorded their finds on iNaturalist, and discovered how small data points can inform the conservation status of species and can influence conservation decision-making. For many young people, these were their first direct encounters with plant species teetering on the brink of extinction.

But their learning didn’t stop in the field: they also participated in talks, awareness drives and social media features highlighting the vital role young people and citizen scientists play in conservation.

Evolving skills and self

The BOT SOC team recognised that there is a need for career pathways in South Africa’s nature-based sector and green economy. So to address this gap, as part of the second component of the project, we designed a training programme for unemployed young people interested in conservation, horticulture and restoration work. This programme combined practical field skills with theoretical grounding, ranging from plant identification, plant species and vegetation monitoring, to alien invasive clearing methods and horticultural skills.

Then our project participants were selected: 27 trainees in all, who completed the training between March and August 2025. They each received stipends that allowed them to participate fully in the programme. A further eight youths were employed in extended work opportunities up to the end of December 2025.

They joined experienced conservation, horticultural and restoration teams and experts to learn from and carry out basic plant identification and alien-clearing activities at priority sites.

Several of the young trainees have already progressed into further employment opportunities in the conservation sector. This shows the programme’s potential. And beyond the hands-on skills, the programme has fostered confidence, teamwork and a sense of belonging for youths. Many participants describe their experience as transformative and an introduction to a personal calling they had not known existed.

Building digital bridges for plant lovers

South Africa’s plant lovers are scattered across the country, yet digital platforms have proven powerful in bringing them together. Over the past year, BOT SOC hosted monthly webinars, drawing in members, students, volunteers, conservation scientists and curious members of the public. Topics included plant ecology and practical gardening tips for indigenous plants, with contributions from CREW experts, academics, early career researchers and young people.

For many people – especially those living far from botanical gardens or conservation sites – these webinars have become an accessible gateway into the world of plant conservation.

Parallel to this, BOT SOC has expanded its digital training efforts on bioblitz participation, the iNaturalist online platform and other citizen-science tools. Every photo and observation feeds into a national dataset, strengthening the collective understanding of plant diversity and distribution.

At the same time, BOT SOC undertakes additional communication activities including our Veld & Flora publication, all helping to amplify our key message: that conservation thrives when knowledge is shared openly and widely.

Growing gardens of learning and connection

Perhaps the most visible and tangible achievement of this project has been the establishment of 15 biodiversity-focused school and community gardens in the Western Cape – in partnership with schools, community groups, youth cohorts and conservation partners.

These gardens fulfil many functions, not only serving as planting spaces, but also as outdoor classrooms.

Each garden started with a concept plan, indigenous species selection and a layout design, determined by both ecological and educational aims. Trainees and community members then took part in the installation, planting and early maintenance phases.

The gardens celebrate local ecosystems: fynbos, renosterveld, strandveld and Karoo vegetation. But they also teach important principles about soil, water, garden maintenance and the local climate. By joining the garden’s development, youths and scholars learn to identify local species, grasp pollination and see how plants follow seasonal cycles.

This story is not done yet…

As the project moves into its final phase, the energy generated to date continues to grow. The networks built between youth, volunteers, communities and conservation partners are laying the foundation for long-term stewardship of our plant heritage.

This project captures the heart of people stepping forward: young conservationists finding their place in the world; community members investing in greener neighbourhoods; volunteers discovering new joy in learning and sharing knowledge; and citizens from across South Africa working together to protect the plants that make our country unique.

BOT SOC invites everyone – members, volunteers, educators, families and plant enthusiasts – to join these efforts. Whether attending a webinar, recording a plant sighting, helping at a restoration day or supporting a community garden, every contribution strengthens the growing network of plant custodians that South Africa needs.

Thank you to all our valued partners for supporting this ambitious programme!