Members of the Coniston community recently took part in a shared cultural and environmental experience hosted by the City of Cape Town‘s River Warden team at Zandvlei Nature Reserve on Saturday, February 2026. The event formed part of the celebration of World Wetlands Day 2026, under the theme “Wetlands and traditional knowledge: Celebrating cultural heritage,” with nature serving as the classroom for sharing local history, heritage, and tradition.
Learning Through Local History and Living Landscapes
The day focused on shared learning across Zandvlei history and culture, and Zandvlei biodiversity (Cape Flats Dune Strandveld), connected through the pivotal role of wetlands and estuaries in the Cape. Knowledge was shared and learned through hands-on activities and guided exploration of the reserve, encouraging discovery through direct engagement with the natural environment, and personal storytelling amongst one another.
Exploring the Zandvlei Wetland and Estuary System
The day included a guided walk, where participants learned more about the Zandvlei wetland and estuary system, and the threats this system is facing.Using binoculars, the group observed and identified local wetland bird species, including Blacksmith Lapwing (Vanellus armatus), Reed Cormorant (Microcarbo africanus), Red-knobbed Coot (Fulica cristata), and Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea). The group explored the useful and medicinal plants found in the Cape Flats Dune Strandveld, including Chironia baccifera (Christmas berry), Coleonema album (confetti bush), Helichrysum cymosum (gold carpet), Pelargonium capitatum (rose-scented pelargonium), and Salvia aurea (brown sage). Basic plant propagation techniques were demonstrated and discussed, allowing everyone to gain practical insight into how these indigenous species are grown and can be cared for.
Traditional Knowledge Shared
A highlight of the programme was the papyrus mat-making activity, where the group learned about traditional practices linked to mat weaving. Guided through the process using prepared papyrus and string, everyone created their own mats while discussing the historical use of natural materials and their personal, often generational connections to nature.
Taking Knowledge Home and Strengthening Community Connections
Participants shared memories and stories about plants used within their families for healing, cooking, and other traditional purposes. Each person took home either Eriocephalus africanus (wild rosemary), Pelargonium betulinum (camphor-scented pelargonium), or Tetragonia fruticosa (slaaibos), extending the learning beyond the reserve and into their own homes.
Participants, young and old, left with new skills, shared memories, and strengthened connections, and a deeper appreciation for the relationship between people, history, and nature. We like to hope that this event strengthened community connections to Zandvlei’s cultural and natural heritage and reminder to every one of the importance of preserving local ecosystems while honouring traditional knowledge nurtured over generations within the neighbouring community.
For more information, please contact:
Ashleigh de Bruyn: Conservation Officer, Special Projects Unit, Biodiversity Management Branch
Email: [email protected]
