NLC Programme | Biodiversity Gardens | Langa
#GROW
Langa, the oldest township
in the city
The Langa High School Biodiversity Conservation Garden is located in Langa, Cape Town – the oldest township in the city.
Developed as part of BOT SOC’s Protecting and Restoring South Africa’s Natural Heritage project, Protecting and Restoring South Africa’s Natural Heritage project, this biodiversity garden supports environmental education, youth skills development and biodiversity conservation.
The garden celebrates the fynbos ecosystems that historically occurred in the area and inspires learners to become future plant custodians.
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 plant monitoring with the CREW Programme, recording plant species on iNaturalist.
Their skills were applied during the development of the Langa High School Biodiversity Conservation Garden, where they assisted with planning and planting.
Why choose Langa?
Langa High School is situated in the heart of Cape Town’s oldest township, an area that historically supported rich fynbos ecosystems.
The school’s Eco-Club is actively working to reclaim this natural heritage and promote environmental stewardship among learners.
The garden creates an outdoor indigenous classroom where learners can:
– See indigenous plants
– Touch and smell plant species
– Engage with educational signage
– Learn about biodiversity
This space supports both environmental education and community upliftment.
The importance of the area: Cape Flats Sand Fynbos
The garden highlights plant diversity associated with the Cape Floristic Region, a globally recognised biodiversity hotspot.
Thematic garden beds include:
– Cape Flats Sand Fynbos bed showcasing survival strategies
– Medicinal plant bed highlighting traditional plant uses
– Indigenous plant displays reflecting regional biodiversity
Interpretive signage explains:
– Indigenous plants
– Pollinators
– Cape Flats 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 Langa High School Biodiversity Conservation Garden was made possible through strong partnerships. Key partners included:
Youth trained at the 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 the Langa 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 Langa High 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 the Langa community, and local residents have already played an important role in its success.
They have also shown their willingness to continue caring for the garden into the future, ensuring its long-term sustainability.
You can get involved: Visit the garden
The Langa High School Biodiversity Conservation Garden now serves as a living classroom, connecting people with plants and biodiversity – a space for visitors to experience when travelling through the region.
Residents, visitors and learners can explore the beautiful but threatened fynbos that occurs in the region through this community space.
Signage allows visitors to better understand the unique plant diversity and the cultural value of the plants.
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).
