‘Don’t rob us, don’t rob our children and don’t rob our grandchildren of the beauty that’s been given to us...’ - Edward Copperfield About Princess Vlei
The Princess Vlei is the gateway to the wetland system that runs through Grassy Park. The Vlei has a big history, and has long been treasured by the many citizens who have enjoyed its beauty and tranquility. In 2014 the community won a huge victory in stopping the proposed development of a shopping mall. Since then, the Princess Vlei Forum has been working with the City of Cape Town to restore the biodiversity and transform the 100 ha Greater Princess Vlei Conservation Area into a world class heritage site celebrating its rich natural, social and cultural heritage. Watch the video below to learn more about our work, or read more... Join the Forum
The Princess Vlei Forum is working with the City of Cape Town on the ongoing improvement and management of Princess Vlei. All are welcome to join us. Read more... Support |
View the City of Cape Town's Finalised Conceptual Development Framework for the Greater Princess Vlei Area
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NEWS FLASHPrincess Vlei Heritage Site Victory
After a campaign going back several years, the Greater Princess Vlei Conservation Area was awarded Provincial Heritage status in September 2020. Read More |
May 12: Ripped up ...
The Forum is devastated by the damage done to the Princess Vlei eastern shoreline and restoration area. On 6 May, concerned citizen Zoe Poulsen spotted an earth mover ripping up the shoreline vegetation and dumping the biomass on botanically sensitive areas - including a plot that was restored by the Forum last year as part of the community-led fynbos restoration project. Read More 
March 15: What's growing at Princess Vlei?
I’ve been living in the area for eight years, and never knew what was on my doorstep’. This was a comment by one of the Elfindale residents on the walk at Princess Vlei on Saturday March 13. The walk was organised to make local residents aware of the botanical riches growing at Princess Vlei, and to inspire them to participate in our exciting fynbos restoration project. Read More 
Nov 20: No Mowing brings Spring flowers
On Halloween, twenty volunteers of all ages gave up trick or treating to come to Princess Vlei, to gather seeds for a variety of annual daisies. The seeds will be stored over summer and broadcast in autumn 2021 in the new restoration areas. Princess Vlei is home to several flowering annuals. Read More 
Oct 1: Heritage Status Victory
Thanks to all who championed this cause! The Princess Vlei Forum is delighted with the news that the Greater Princess Vlei Conservation Area has been awarded the status of a Provincial Heritage Site. The Heritage Western Cape Council officially approved the nomination at a meeting yesterday. Read More 
Aug 25: A sad goodbye to a wonderful friend
The Princess Vlei Forum lost a very good friend with the passing of Graham Lashbrooke, who died on Midwinter’s Day, 21st June 2020, at the age of 80. From the founding of Princess Vlei Forum in 2012, Graham and his wife Mea were enthusiastic supporters of the campaign to save Princess Vlei from the destructive development of a shopping mall. Read More 
Aug 24: Farwell to a champion of public participation
The Princess Vlei community lost a great stalwart with the passing of Dr Graham Noble in July. Graham was passionate about the environment, and about civic participation. Graham was a long standing member of the GCTCA, serving as treasurer and secretary at different times.Read More 
Aug 19: 3000 new wild plants
On Saturday 25 July the Princess Vlei Forum (PVF), in partnership with the Botanical Society of South Africa Kirstenbosch Branch, held a planting event at The Greater Princess Vlei conservation area in Cape Town. More than 3 000 plants were planted on the day. The extinct in the wild Whorled Heath (Erica verticillata) and critically endangered Serruria foeniculacea were reintroduced for the first time. Read More 
June 7: New Life under lockdown
The Covid19 Lockdowns have put a temporary brake on our community and school planting. However, plants need to be put in the ground early in the rainy season, and sadly we can't wait until lock down is lifted and our young and old nature guardians are able tohelp us. Alex Lansdowne has been hard at work preparing and smoking the seeds that have been collected especially for restoration . Read More 
Mar 22: Wacky Wetlands
Just before the lockdown was declared, 30 young scientists and nature guardians from Levana Primary Harmony Primary came to Princess Vlei to find out about all the species that make up a wetland family. Before setting out, Forum members reminded the learners to treat all the creatures they encountered with great respect, and to ensure that none were harmed in the process of studying them. Read More |