The Nature Reserve

Diepklowe Private Nature Reserve (est. 1980s) is host to dense indigenous vegetation, specifically Renosterveld and fynbos. Additionally, abundant water is delivered from natural springs in the middle of the farm, which ensures a constant fresh water supply to the rivers, the farm and the needs of the accommodation. These rare qualities associated with Diepklowe encourage smart usage of the land where water has become a primary resource, and enhances the farms capacity with its outlook on conservation and sustainable living.

Water

Our farm is completely water self-sustainable, using water from springs, which are captured by the dam. Since water is such a substantial resource for Diepklowe, we celebrate and express it through our vision for the space, with plans to create flow-through canals, channels and in little dams.

Historically water has been celebrated on the farm through the building of leiwaters inspired by the Dutch along the Botrivier. In this light it is apt to pay homage to water engineering to salvage it passing through the farm

Geology

The geology of the farm is made up of shale as well as Table Mountain sandstone. On the north side of the farm, shale, which is stratified rock , breaks down to form a red clay soil that supports the endangered Renosterveld vegetation and makes up the bulk of the farm which can be seen in the rolling hills. The front part of the farm which shows the view of the steep cliffed mountain, is Table Mountain sandstone which creates a sandy, acidic soil, supporting the fynbos vegetation. Combining these two results in an “ecotone” which attracts unique plant species, such as the exquisite spider orchid (Bartholina burmanniana).

Olive Farming

The first olive harvest was in 2004 where four varieties were planted, namely frantoio, lecciano, coratino and FS17. Combining these olives in the press results in lovely piquant oil which can be purchased from the farm itself. Porcupine Hills now boasts around 1800 trees which are carefully looked after to create pure, organic extra virgin olive oil after each annual harvest.

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