Noorsekloof Nature reserve was proclaimed as a local nature reserve in 1984.
The reserve comprises of 28.7 ha stretching from near the beach up the valley through Wavecrest.
The giant Euphorbia Triangularus gives its name to the kloof & is naturally the predominant tree. - the tallest is approximately 10 meters high. The Milkwood is the second most common tree.
The vegetation in the kloof is an excellent example of Valley Bushveld, the broad term given to the subtropical transitional thickets of the Eastern Cape. It occurs mostly in the hot, dry valleys of rivers. It is characterised by dense, sometimes impenetrable of thorny or succulent shrubs.
Unlike fynbos, valley bushveld so far has not received much publicity & barely 1.2% of the total extent of Valley Bushveld is currently conserved.
The reserve is only about 200m wide at its narrowest & increases to about 400m at its wider parts. The narrowness of the reserve & the fact that the kloof is bordered on both sides by residential development, places the reserve under constant threat.
More than 50 bird species have been observed with specials including the Knysna Loerie & the Knysna Woodpecker. Paradise flycatchers tend to be very tame & can offer some very enjoyable moments as they flutter around, busily catching insects.
Small buck species are frequents to the kloof, but they are not often seen.
A 3km trail meanders up the kloof along the stream & offers visitors the opportunity to experience this little piece of heaven in an otherwise built-up environment. The trail starts at the entrance to Kloof in Eland Street, & ends in Dogwood Circle.
As in any Nature Reserve, you are kindly requested to stay on the hiking trail & leave only your footprints. Fires, hunting, camping & dogs are prohibited from the kloof.
