NLC Programme | Biodiversity Gardens | Ottery
#GROW
Showcasing the importance of the region’s natural heritage
The Battswood Primary School Biodiversity Conservation Garden is located in Ottery, Cape Town, in one of the most threatened vegetation types in South Africa.
Developed as part of BOT SOC’s Protecting and Restoring South Africa’s Natural Heritage project, this biodiversity garden supports environmental education, youth development and biodiversity conservation – and especially aims to showcase the importance of the region’s natural heritage.
THIS PROJECT IS MADE POSSIBLE BY:
Youth skills development and conservation training
Twelve youth participants from the Cape Metropole were trained as part of this project, hosted by the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden.
Skills Development
They received classroom-based and hands-on conservation training, developing skills in:
– Conservation horticulture
– Plant identification
– Alien invasive clearing
– Eco-landscaping
– Personal development
The youth also participated in citizen science activities with the Custodians of Rare and Endangered Wildflowers (CREW) Programme, capturing species observations on iNaturalist.
Their skills were applied during the development of the Battswood Primary School Biodiversity Conservation Garden, where they assisted with planning and planting.
Why choose Battswood Primary School?
The historic Battswood Primary School, located in Ottery, has a strong legacy of resilience and community pride.
As a recognised Sustainable School, Battswood has a passionate Eco-Club that leads environmental initiatives.
The school is also located near a small wetland and within the Cape Flats Sand Fynbos, making it an ideal location for an outdoor biodiversity classroom.
Learners can:
– See indigenous plants
– Touch and smell plant species
– Engage with educational signage
– Learn about local ecosystems
The importance of the area: Cape Flats Sand Fynbos
The garden highlights plant diversity associated with Cape Flats Sand Fynbos, one of South Africa’s most threatened vegetation types.
Thematic garden beds include:
– Cape Flats Sand Fynbos bed showcasing survival strategies of species
– Medicinal plant bed highlighting traditional plant uses especially healing
– Indigenous plant displays representing local biodiversity
Interpretive signage explains:
– Indigenous plants
– Pollinators
– Cape Flats Sand Fynbos ecology
– Threatened habitats
Plant labels also include:
– Scientific and common names
– Plant characteristics
– Cultural value
– QR codes linking to SANBI’s PlantZAfrica website
Interpretive signage was developed by BOT SOC and designed by Jeanette Erasmus.
Partnerships behind the garden
The Battswood Primary School Biodiversity Conservation Garden was made possible through strong partnerships. Key partners included:
Youth participants trained at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden played a key role in planning and planting the garden.
Tools and resources donated to the garden
To support long-term sustainability, BOT SOC donated gardening equipment and resources to Battswood Primary School.
These included:
Gardening tools | Hosepipe | Maintenance equipment
These resources help ensure the garden can be maintained by learners and staff.
The role of the
Botanical Society
of South Africa
BOT SOC played a central role in the creation of the Battswood Primary School Biodiversity Conservation Garden – as part of the Protecting and Restoring South Africa’s Natural Heritage project, funded by the National Lotteries Commission.
BOT SOC supported the project by supporting and funding:
– Youth training and skills development
– Garden planning and coordination
– Indigenous plant selection
– Development of educational signage
– Community engagement
– Partnerships coordination
Community stewardship
This garden is a gift to Battswood Primary School and its Eco-Club, who played an important role in its development.
Since its establishment in July 2025, learners and staff have continued caring for the garden.
You can get involved in biodiversity conservation
You don’t need to visit this garden to be part of the movement.
You can get involved by:
– Planting indigenous plants at home or school
– Learning about Cape Flats biodiversity
– Supporting biodiversity gardens in your community
– Encouraging environmental education
– Participating in citizen science platforms like iNaturalist
Gardens like this one help grow the next generation of conservation custodians.
Explore the
garden resources
DOWNLOAD:
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Hours
Tuesdays from 08h00 to 16h00. Closed from Wednesday to Monday and public holidays.
Contact Us
We are experiencing intermittent faults with our landlines. If you can't get through on our landline +27 (0) 21 797 2090 , please phone or send a message to our alternate WhatsApp number: +27 (0) 65 922 6163.
Notice
From 1 March 2026, our office located inside Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden (through Gate 2) will be open to assist members on Tuesdays only (08:00 – 16:00).
