Bracken Nature Reserve protects 36 hectares of critically endangered Swartland granite renosterveld and Cape Flats sand fynbos on the hill above Brackenfell. The hill was Kanonkop in the 1700s, a granite quarry in the mid twentieth century and then a landfill, before being recognised as a core botanical site. Free entry, open daily, with good birding, picnic areas and a small satellite reserve at Perdekop.
Bracken Nature Reserve is 36 hectares on the hill above Brackenfell, and most of it is vegetation the Cape has very little of left. The reserve protects critically endangered Swartland granite renosterveld and Cape Flats sand fynbos, two types the City describes as generally poorly conserved. What makes Bracken worth understanding is not that the vegetation survived untouched, but that this hill was thoroughly used and then given back.
The history is unusually legible here. In the 1700s the hill was known as Kanonkop, after the cannon stationed on it to signal farmers that ships had arrived in the harbour and there was produce to sell. From 1950 until the early 1970s a granite quarry worked the hill, and when the quarry closed the site became a landfill. Only later was the ground earmarked as a core botanical site. In 2013 Tygerberg Nature Reserve donated a six pounder cannon to Bracken, and the City encourages visitors to go up and read the history on the spot.
The birdlife is a genuine reason to come. The City lists red-capped lark, black-shouldered kite, peregrine falcon and southern double-collared sunbird among the regular sightings, which is a good spread of open-ground and raptor species for a reserve of this size. Birdwatching, walking and picnicking are all listed activities, and there are paths and walkways, picnic areas and an environmental education centre on site.
Bracken also has a satellite. Perdekop is a 2.2 hectare core botanical site along Kruin Street that forms part of the Bracken cluster, and it is open to the public on Tuesdays from 09:00 to 12:00 only. The City describes it as needing special protection and suggests contacting reserve management for more information, so treat it as a separate, tightly managed visit rather than an extension of the main reserve.
Practically it is straightforward. The main reserve is at 2 Reservoir Road in Brackenfell, open daily from 07:30 to 16:00, and entry is free. The reserve runs a no-bin policy and asks visitors to take recyclable material away with them, so plan to carry out whatever you bring in.
Highlights
- 36 hectares of critically endangered granite renosterveld and sand fynbos
- Kanonkop, the hill that signalled arriving ships in the 1700s
- A six pounder cannon donated by Tygerberg Nature Reserve in 2013
- Raptors including black-shouldered kite and peregrine falcon
- Perdekop, a 2.2 hectare satellite site open on Tuesday mornings
- A worked-out quarry and landfill turned into a core botanical site
Tips
Go early for the birds and for the light over the Cape Flats from the top of the hill. The reserve runs a no-bin policy, so carry out everything you bring in and recycle what you can. If you want to see Perdekop, plan for a Tuesday morning between 09:00 and 12:00 and contact reserve management beforehand.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bracken Nature Reserve?
It is a 36 hectare City of Cape Town reserve on the hill above Brackenfell, at 2 Reservoir Road, protecting critically endangered Swartland granite renosterveld and Cape Flats sand fynbos. Both vegetation types are described by the City as poorly conserved.
Why is the hill called Kanonkop?
In the 1700s a cannon was stationed on the hill to signal farmers that ships had arrived in the harbour and there was produce to sell. In 2013 Tygerberg Nature Reserve donated a six pounder cannon to Bracken, and the City encourages visitors to go and read the history on site.
What are the opening hours and is there an entrance fee?
The reserve is open daily from 07:30 to 16:00 and entry is free.
What is Perdekop and can I visit it?
Perdekop is a 2.2 hectare satellite site along Kruin Street that forms part of the Bracken cluster. It is a core botanical site open to the public on Tuesdays from 09:00 to 12:00 only, and the City suggests contacting reserve management for more information.
Is Bracken good for birdwatching?
Yes. The City lists red-capped lark, black-shouldered kite, peregrine falcon and southern double-collared sunbird among the regular sightings, which is a strong mix of open-ground and raptor species for a reserve this size.
