Rooiels Conservancy
Our Vision
A model community living in harmony and in balance with nature in a biosphere reserve.
About the conservancy
Founded in 1979, the Rooiels Conservancy is a Cape Nature registered, community-led organisation dedicated to protecting the natural environment. Over decades, Conservancy members have worked tirelessly to protect our wild heritage. Through volunteer initiatives, educational programs, wildlife monitoring, liaison with conservation authorities & scientists, and hands-on projects big and small, the Conservancy is dedicated to keeping Rooiels a vibrant, thriving home for both people and nature.
Our mission
The Conservancy’s mission is centred on informing, educating, learning and collaborating with residents and visitors to conserve our natural environment. We work together to foster a sense of stewardship and guardianship over our landscapes, marine environments, indigenous flora, fauna & biodiversity, and the overall ecological health of our surroundings.
In practice, it means that among other things, we:
- Promote the Rooiels Vision.
- Engage with Rooiels organisations, ratepayers and residents.
- Safeguard the natural environment of Rooiels and surrounding areas.
- Reduce invasive alien vegetation in the village.
- Reduce litter in the village and its coastline.
- Keep public areas as natural as possible.
- Support local biodiversity.
get involved
Our strength comes from the community. If you care deeply about this special place, you can help protect it by becoming a member and supporting our initiatives. When you join, you help us advocate for conservation priorities, raise awareness and educate residents and visitors, and carry out activities that protect our natural spaces and their inhabitants.
If you’re ready to join, click the button, or read the membership information.
If you want to roll up your sleeves and make a hands-on impact, there are so many ways you can contribute, like joining the hack or beach cleanups, giving a Conservancy talk, conservation monitoring of our natural ecosystems and habitats, writing an article for the Compass, or helping out with digital marketing or social media. These are just a few examples – please talk to us if you have an idea you’d like to make happen.
Getting involved doesn’t just help Rooiels – it’s an opportunity to learn, connect with like-minded people, and contribute to a lasting legacy of conservation and a community that cares.
Take a look at the What We Do page to find out more about our initiatives.
the compass newsletter
The Conservancy produces a quarterly Compass newsletter, sharing news, photos, wildlife sightings, and practical advice on living in harmony with nature. Have a read of the last few editions, and if you like them, click the button to subscribe (you don’t have to be a Conservancy member).
Contact us
To keep up to date with the latest news, join the Rooiels Conservancy Facebook group. We also have the REWild WhatsApp group to share sightings, questions and the latest happenings – you can join by clicking the Subscribe button above. Or you can email us at rec@rooiels.org.za or contact the Chair directly on rec.chair@rooiels.org.za
2025 committee
Ralph Pina (Chair)
Gavin Lundie (Vice Chair)
Lesley Lundie (Treasurer)
Christoph Weichsler (Secretary)
Estelle Buys
Claire Mullins
constitution
Read our Constitution here. If you’re interested in other Governance matters, head to the Reporting page to see minutes, AGM reports and financial reports.