Because of the botanical importance of this conservation area, botanists recommended that the southern portion still within the confines of the racetrack not be opened to the public. The northern portion is accessible to the public where there is a footpath – originally people were allowed to take dogs on a leash through this area, but so many people abused this privilege and allowed dogs to run free that dogs are now no longer allowed there.
The Milnerton Racecourse Section of the Table Bay Nature Reserve is managed by an Environmental Management Committee (EMC) consisting of representatives from the City, the Royal Ascot Master Property Owners Association, Gold Circle, Cape Bird Club, Friends of Rietvlei and interested local residents.
Recently an Environmental Management System (EMS) commissioned by the management committee, has been put into operation at the TBNR:MR. The EMS, prepared and facilitated by Wetland Solutions (previously Planning in Balance), contains a set of procedural manuals for the carrying out of individual management tasks, an annual plan of operations that schedules these tasks, and a data base that organises all the information gathered by these management activities.
This model allows for changes in management structure while standardizing work conducted on the ground and retaining all previous information gathered.
Presently the TBNR:MR is managed through funds acquired from environmental noncompliance fines issued during the construction of Royal Ascot, as well as various levies from the Master Property Owners Association.
After completing her 3 year contract (2014-16), Landi Louw has moved on to new beginnings. Her position as site manager has now been filled by Kyran Wright, who joins us from his past position of looking after the Liesbeek River. Kyran has completed his studies in Conservation law, and takes over at an exciting time, with the Kenilworth Racing land swap, and the inclusion of the old lunging rings into the nature reserve. We wish him well. Should you need to contact Kyran, he is reachable on
or telephonically on 021 444 0315.
The management goals for the TBNR:MR in the medium to long term are:
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Strong awareness amongst residents must be developed to create an increased understanding of the TBNR:MR and its value to biodiversity conservation.
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An appropriate burning programme must be implemented to ensure the continued survival of the rare plant communities. See Burning the TBNR:MR page.
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Alien vegetation must be brought under control and eradicated where possible.
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A viable corridor between the northern and southern portions must be secured.
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Official conservation status must be awarded to the Table Bay Nature Reserve.
Because of the botanical importance of this conservation area, botanists recommended that the southern portion still within the confines of the racetrack not be opened to the public. The northern portion is accessible to the public where there is a footpath – originally people were allowed to take dogs on a leash through this area, but so many people abused this privilege and allowed dogs to run free that dogs are now no longer allowed there.
Recently an Environmental Management System (EMS) commissioned by the management committee, has been put into operation at the TBNR:MR. The EMS, prepared and facilitated by Wetland Solutions (previously Planning in Balance), contains a set of procedural manuals for the carrying out of individual management tasks, an annual plan of operations that schedules these tasks, and a data base that organises all the information gathered by these management activities.