NLC Programme | Biodiversity Gardens | Kleinmond
#GROW
Between mountain and sea
The Kleinmond Lapa Biodiversity Conservation Garden, located in the coastal town of Kleinmond within the Kogelberg Biosphere, celebrates the remarkable biodiversity of this globally significant region.
Developed as part of BOT SOC’s Protecting and Restoring South Africa’s Natural Heritage project, this garden combines youth skills development, environmental education and biodiversity conservation.
Positioned between mountain and sea, the garden creates a space where community members and youth can connect with fynbos biodiversity, cultural heritage and the unique ecology of the Kogelberg region.
THIS PROJECT IS MADE POSSIBLE BY:
Youth skills development and conservation training
One youth participant from the Kogelberg area was trained as part of this project, hosted by the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) at Harold Porter National Botanical Garden.
Skills Development
She received classroom-based and hands-on conservation training, developing skills in:
– Conservation horticulture
– Plant identification
– Alien invasive clearing
– Eco-landscaping
– Personal development
She also participated in citizen science plant monitoring with the CREW Programme, recording species on iNaturalist. Her skills were applied in the development of the Kleinmond Lapa Biodiversity Conservation Garden, where she assisted with plant selection and garden establishment.
Why choose Kleinmond?
Kleinmond is a coastal town located within the Kogelberg Biosphere, South Africa’s first UNESCO-declared biosphere and a global hotspot for fynbos biodiversity.
The community is also home to the Strandlopers (translated as ‘beach-walkers’) Eco-Youth Club, a group dedicated to nurturing the next generation of plant custodians.
The garden provides a space for the Strandloper Eco-Youth Club to:
– Learn about indigenous plants
– Explore local biodiversity
– Engage with interpretive signage
– Connect with nature
The garden also includes an outdoor stage for community productions, creating a shared space that connects people, plants and community.
The importance of the area: Kogelberg fynbos diversity
The garden highlights the diverse vegetation types of the Kogelberg Biosphere, including:
– Kogelberg Sandstone Fynbos
– Overberg Dune Strandveld
– Hangklip Sand Fynbos
A medicinal plant bed showcases species traditionally used for healing and cultural practices.
– Interpretive signage throughout the garden explains:
– Indigenous plant species
– Pollinators
– Fynbos ecology
– Cultural plant uses
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 Kleinmond Lapa Biodiversity Conservation Garden was made possible through strong partnerships. Key partners included:
The Harold Porter National Botanical Garden played a key role in designing the garden layout and guiding plant selection.
Tools and resources donated to the garden
To support long-term sustainability, BOT SOC donated gardening equipment and resources to the Kleinmond community.
These included:
Gardening tools | Hosepipe | Maintenance equipment
These tools help ensure the garden can be maintained and cared for by the local community.
The role of the
Botanical Society
of South Africa
BOT SOC played a central role in the creation of the Kleinmond 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 the Kogelberg community and the Strandlopers Eco-Youth Club, who have already played an important role in its success.
Community members assisted with:
– Garden development
– Planting
– Maintenance
Since its establishment in July 2025, the community has taken excellent care of the garden, ensuring its long-term sustainability.
You can get involved: Visit the garden
The Kleinmond Lapa Biodiversity Conservation Garden serves as a living classroom, connecting people with plants and biodiversity, and should you travel through the town, it’s well worth stopping at the garden to see it.
Residents, visitors and learners can explore:
– Indigenous fynbos plants
– Coastal biodiversity
– Cultural plant uses
– Pollinators and ecology
Interpretive signage helps you understand the unique biodiversity of the Kogelberg Biosphere.
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).
