Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve is situated in the Langeberg, about 22 km northwest of Heidelberg, and comprises 250 ha of forest. The indigenous forest is the most noteworthy in the southwestern Cape and the largest remaining example in the Langeberg. Two-day walks and a short cycle trail wind through Knysna high forest and mountain fynbos, with excellent bird-watching opportunities.
The land on which the forest is situated was originally called Melkhoutskraal, and was assigned to Roelof Oelofse in 1723. He was known as the "Groot Vader", a title subsequent owners inherited. The adjoining Boosmansbos Wilderness area was proclaimed in 1978 and Grootvadersbosch was put under the control of CapeNature in 1986 and since 2004 a World Heritage Site.
The Langeberg lies in the transitional zone between winter and all-year rainfall regions. Grootvadersbosch has an average annual rainfall of about 1 050 mm. Drier periods are from May to July and December to January. Berg wind conditions prevail from May to July.
The southern slopes are covered with sandy soils derived from Table Mountain sandstone and are often strewn with rocks and boulders.
Most of the 35 typical forest tree species are present, including stinkwood, yellowwood, red alder and the dominant ironwood.
During 1896 to 1913 exotic trees such as camphor, Australian blackwood, bluegum, ash, Californian redwood and oak were planted to cover the areas denuded by woodcutters. CapeNature is reclaiming these areas for indigenous forest.
Bushbuck are abundant and were first described in 1780 from a specimen collected at Grootvadersbosch. Cape grysbok occur on the forest fringes and in adjacent fynbos. Baboons and small mammals are plentiful while evidence of leopard is also occasionally found. Birds are abundant and 196 bird species have been recorded. A subspecies of the ghost frog and a unique forest emperor butterfly occur only in this forest.
During 1896 to 1913 exotic trees such as camphor, Australian blackwood, bluegum, ash, Californian redwood and oak were planted to cover the areas denuded by woodcutters. CapeNature is reclaiming these areas for indigenous forest.
Bushbuck are abundant and were first described in 1780 from a specimen collected at Grootvadersbosch. Cape grysbok occur on the forest fringes and in adjacent fynbos. Baboons and small mammals are plentiful while evidence of leopard is also occasionally found. Birds are abundant and 196 bird species have been recorded. A subspecies of the ghost frog and a unique forest emperor butterfly occur only in this forest.
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