Nirvana Fynbos Sanctuary

Overview

Nirvana Farm is an equestrian retreat and fynbos rehabilitation project located 35 minutes from Cape Town on the West Coast. The farm is approximately 30 hectares and is situated in the critically endangered Sandveld fynbos biome.

This biome is home to many exceedingly rare species of both fauna and flora, many on the brink of extinction. This is due to a number of reasons primarily caused by man – this includes runaway growth of alien species of plant including Port Jackson, Australian Myrtle, Bluegum, Pine, Wattle and Rooikrans; destruction of habitat for farming and grazing; veld fires (often man-made and out of control) and pollution.

Nirvana Farm was acquired by Rosh Sewpersad and Tony Martin in 2006. At this time it had suffered years of neglect and was in a very poor state on all fronts. Through an intensive, ongoing alien-clearing effort, we have managed to rehabilitate over 50% of the natural fynbos to date. In spring the farm once again sings with joy as it showcases its breathtaking, multicoloured and varied natural abundance. In fact, in collaboration with SANBI (SA National Biodiveristy Institute based at Kirstenbosch Gardens), we have recently discovered an original species of gladiolus which was thought to have become extinct in the area 130 years ago!

Eradication of alien vegetation and fynbos rehabilitation is an ongoing task however, as seedbeds can remain dormant for 60-100 years! This means that we constantly have to keep on top of regrowth.

As funds and manpower are limited, we offer the opportunity for interested volunteers to help us in this very rewarding task. Basically it comes down to you volunteering your physical labour - tasks include cutting down/uprooting of alien vegetation and applying herbicide to prevent re-growth. We supply the tools (although some of the invasive species can be uprooted by hand). You must also come prepared to work outdoors (bring gloves/ hat/ sunblock/ water/ etc.) It is up to you how long you want to work for (we usually work from 9am-4pm with breaks in between). At the moment, we can only accommodate volunteers on the weekends. Lunch will be provided. In return, we offer volunteers the opportunity of enjoying the amenities and activities on the farm. These include horse riding, interacting with horses, quad bike trails, organic vegetable gardens, sustainable harvesting of wild flowers, meditation retreats, reiki treatments, etc. You can think of it as a “talent exchange” – your labour in exchange for some peace and tranquillity, communing with some very rare nature.

Cape Town Green Map
updated 03/2012 by urban sprout