Living In the Island Conservancy

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Sedgefield’s natural beauty and laid-back vibe attract many people, especially those living on The Island. The Island's charm comes from its location in nature, surrounded by water and wild areas filled with flora and fauna.

When entering The Island, you may have noticed a sign indicating that it is a Conservancy­. Living in The Island Conservancy means taking on certain responsibilities, but it also offers a dream lifestyle. Let us explore what is expected of residents and what they can expect in return.

Why is the Island a Conservancy?

The Sedgefield Island is a part of the Cape Floral Kingdom and is recognized as a World Heritage Site. The Island is home to unspoilt Southern Cape Dune Fynbos, reeds, sedges, and saltmarsh, providing a rich natural environment for various species.

Your Responsibilities

Membership of the Conservancy is voluntary. Residents are not forced to become members and the Conservancy does not (and cannot) impose any rules on you. However, while our streets belong to Knysna Municipality, our beaches and water belong to SANParks, implying a dual set of rules.

By voluntarily coming to live in a Conservancy, you are expected to follow some basic courtesies related to the Conservancy and to adhere to applicable laws. This includes:

  • Drive cautiously and slowly because our streets are used by children, walkers, and wildlife, such as birds and tortoises. (Official speed limits are 40km/h on tar, 30km/h on dirt.)
  • Do not use poisons. The Conservancy can advise on alternatives. Here is our Pest Control information.
  • Be a responsible gardener by planting locally indigenous plants. Plant a variety of plants that will provide year-round flowers and food for bees.
  • Remove all invasive plants on your property.
  • Leave gaps under your fence so that small animals can move between properties, promoting a healthy ecosystem.
  • Be a responsible dog owner. Dogs should be on leash when out for a walk. Dogs are not allowed to chase or disturb wildlife, and owners are expected to ensure this. Pick up after your dog using the bags provided.
  • Be a responsible cat owner. Wildlife is protected on The Island and is not there for your cat to hunt, especially at night.
  • Do not dump anything in wild areas.
  • Birds are protected, especially during nesting seasons.

The Conservancy’s Responsibilities

Our goal is to raise awareness about the environment on The Island, improve its conservation status, protect and increase wildlife, preserve existing ecosystems, promote indigenous plants and trees, and eradicate invasive vegetation. We also aim to enhance its overall beauty and economic value.

Conservancies are not law enforcement agencies, but they do have a role as conservation ‘eyes on the ground’ for the municipality and official conservation bodies.

So, what will the Conservancy do for you? The Island Conservancy’s job is to:

  • Help members with conservation-related tasks and problems.
  • Work with other community bodies to protect your investment and environment.
  • Support the local economy by promoting Sedgefield and The Island as ecotourism destinations.
  • Provide residents with information about their rights and responsibilities regarding municipal areas and conservation.
  • Ensure that wild areas are cleared of invasive alien species and to keep them clean and usable for residents.
  • Oversee colonial bird breeding seasons, trying wherever possible to minimise the impact on both residents and birds.
  • Maintain close relationships with conservation bodies, drawing on these organisations’ support. We will represent members’ interests to promote win-win implementation of conservation-related rules.
  • Work with the municipality regarding our wild areas, street signage and speed control measures.

In Conclusion

Living on The Island comes with many benefits, but it's up to us to protect them. These include higher property values, managed wild areas, low crime rates, and help from the Conservancy.

By our actions, we can ensure The Island remains a haven for generations to come.

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Protecting our Natural environment whilst creating a better environment for people.

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