Kenilworth Racecourse Conservation Area

Description

Kenilworth Racecourse Conservation Area (KRCA) is 52 hectares of protected land in the centre of Kenilworth Racecourse. This seasonal wetland is one of the largest stretches of natural vegetation in Cape Town's Southern Suburbs and is considered to be the best example of Sand Fynbos on the Cape Peninsula.

Kenilworth Racecourse Conservation Area is home to 310 species of plant, of which 34 are threatened and 1 is endemic. The area supports a healthy reptile, bird, and small mammal population as well as 11 types of amphibians, including the critically endangered Micro Frog and Cape Platanna. The educational potential of KRCA is of great value and the land provides a safe place for kids, schools, and families to enjoy environmental education programmes.

Kenilworth Racecourse Conservation Area has a “Friends Group” that works together for the conservation of their natural environment. Activities include: • Hacks - varying from gentle weeding and pulling of alien saplings to the use of loppers and even chainsaws. • Seasonal seed collecting - collecting seeds for storage, propagation, and post-fire rehabilitation. • Plant Monitoring • Walks – including Spring, Frog, and Spider Walks • Evening talks by experts in their fields • Children’s Activities - including school group events, annual Easter egg hunts, and other exciting weekend and holiday activities for the community.

Kenilworth Racecourse Conservation Area was not always conserved, but a large part of the natural landscape was preserved since the area was proclaimed a race course in 1882. Kenilworth is the oldest racecourse in South Africa and is home to the J&B Met, a popular annual horse race that dates back to 1883. In 1882, the conservation area was identified as one of 35 core botanical sites in South Africa. In 1989, the conservation value of the racecourse was highlighted by Dr Clive McDowell, who emphasised the importance of the site’s natural vegetation. At some point between 1991 and 2005, CapeNature took over the management of the conservation area on an ad-hoc basis. In 2006, a management agreement was established between the City of Cape Town Biodiversity Management Branch, Gold Circle, and CapeNature; and KRCA was formed. Since then, much of the alien vegetation has been removed, scheduled fires have been performed (necessary for propagation of fynbos), and the area has been rehabilitated to its former glory.

Please note that entrance to the conservation area is through prior arrangement only as a member of the KRCA team must accompany you into the area.