Noorsekloof Nature Reserve

• Jeffreys Bay

Noorsekloof Nature Reserve is a small 28 hectare reserve in the suburb of Noorsekloof, in Wavecrest, Jeffreys Bay. The nature reserve is roughly 200m wide at its narrowest, widening to about 400m in the heart of the kloof. It lies in amongst homes and neighbourhoods, and an adjoining narrow greenbelt connects it to the beach. Its narrowness, and the fact that it lies in amongst residential development, places it under constant threat. The Noorsekloof Reserve is predominantly valley bushveld, a plant type that has received little publicity, unlike fynbos, and is thus barely conserved. Valley bushveld occurs in hot dry valleys and rivers and is dense, sometimes even impenetrable thorny or succulent shrubs. Over 50 bird species, including the Knysna loerie, Knysna woodpecker, and paradise flycatcher make the reserve their home.

A beautiful 3km trail alongside a stream begins at the entrance to the kloof in Eland Street, ending in Dogwood Circle. Because the Noorsekloof Nature Reserve is essentially a long strip of green through the suburbs of Jeffreys Bay, it is in parts barely visible for the homes. The green belt that feeds in from either side functions as a green lung for residents.