The Aims of the Pledge Nature Reserve Trust
Pledge Nature Reserve
Pledge Nature Reserve

The Aims of the Pledge Nature Reserve Trust

Pledge Nature Reserve is a declared Local Nature Reserve, formally registered in the Government Gazette of South Africa Notice 726 on 11 October 1991. The management of the Reserve by the Management Committee (MANCO) is in alignment with the aims of Pledge Nature Reserve Trust.

Our Mission

  • Maintain and conserve the Reserve in as natural a state as possible.
  • Continually eradicate invader species.
  • Introduce additional locally indigenous plant species.
  • Develop and maintain trails, pathways, and facilities in the Reserve in a manner sensitive to the environment and for the benefit of the public.
  • Encourage public interest, participation, and increased usage of the Reserve.
  • Ensure that clean and controlled surface water leaves the Reserve on its way to the Estuary.
  • Develop educational facilities by building and staffing an Environmental Centre and increasing informative signage.
  • Increase the size of the Reserve by obtaining adjacent land and reinstate natural corridors to larger Reserves.
  • Raise sufficient monies to enable the Trust to sustain the Aims.

Consistent with the aims of the reserve, the MANCO aims to convert the lower section of the reserve into a botanical garden showcasing local species to further our cause as a store of knowledge of our local natural heritage.

As a first step toward this, we have recently planted an arboretum with 60 local tree species, a project funded by Knysna Rotary Club to celebrate the 60th year this branch has been in existence. Work is being done to construct a new entrance to the reserve which will host a permanent, locally indigenous plant nursery.

Longer term plans are to build an environmental centre at the top entrance off Bond Street. This centre would assist in conservation efforts and provide valuable natural services to the public. With the completion of these projects, PNR would be able to host more environmental education events, generate an income, and has the potential to maintain a coffee shop for visitors to enjoy.