De Hel Nature Area

De Hel Nature Area is a nature reserve protecting a river valley and indigenous forest on the lower eastern slopes of Table Mountain, Cape Town.

Ecology

The Spaanschemat River is surrounded by steep slopes that are covered in deep indigenous Southern Afrotemperate Forest. At the lower end of the reserve is an open piece of land known as “the Meadow” where fruit trees remain from earlier cultivation.

The vegetation type is Afromontane forest, with areas of Peninsula Granite Fynbos. Several hundred plant species have been identified here, including the striking Silvertree (Leucadendron argenteum) and Erica phylicaefolia. The reserve is also home to a variety of local wild animals, including endangered birds like the Knysna warbler (Bradypterus sylvaticus), and the endangered Western Leopard Toad (Amietophrynus pantherinus). Invasive alien plants are a problem; as such weeds threaten both the indigenous forest and the fynbos. ^[1]

History

Ancient trails used by Khoi-khoi herders ran through this patch of land, and when the Dutch arrived they established a woodcutter’s post here. Subsequently its forests became known as a retreat for runaway slaves. For this, as well as for environmental reasons, De Hel has been declared a Provincial Heritage Site. ^{[2] [3]}

See also

• Biodiversity of Cape Town
• List of nature reserves in Cape Town
• Southern Afrotemperate Forest
• Peninsula Granite Fynbos

References

1. ^ "Flora of the Western Cape". http://www.calflora.net/southafrica/capeflora.html. 
2. ^ "City of Cape Town Nature Reserves. Free Booklet". http://www.capetown.gov.za/en/EnvironmentalResourceManagement/publications/Documents/CCT_Nature_Reserves_book_2010-02.pdf. 
3. ^ "Environmental resources and downloads. City of Cape Town. Environmental Resource Management Dept". http://www.capetown.gov.za/en/EnvironmentalResourceManagement/publications/Pages/BrochuresBooklets.aspx.