Grootbos Foundation is a non-profit organisation, established in 2003, dedicated to conservation and community upliftment projects that support the communities surrounding Grootbos Private Nature Reserve.
Grootbos Private Nature Reserve spans 3,650 hectares in the smallest of the world’s six recognised floral kingdoms, the Cape Floral Kingdom.
The reserve offers a unique opportunity to explore fynbos and forests home to 954 plant species, while observing the diverse birds, animals, and amphibians that inhabit this extraordinary landscape.
Botanist and Conservation Director Sean Privett explored, recorded and photographed the region’s flora for over a decade with the late Heiner Lutzeyer. This resulted in one of the most detailed botanical studies ever undertaken in the Cape Floral Kingdom. An initial collection of 885 plant species was identified by Sean and Heiner, seven of which were new to science, namely:
Find out more about this sustainable eco-reserve and its award-winning lodges, villas and experiences, here: Grootbos Private Nature Reserve
Grootbos Foundation’s Enterprise Development Programme supports youth career growth through targeted interventions at key stages along their path to employment.
South Africa’s youth unemployment is at a staggering 60% for youth under 25. The foundation’s Enterprise Development programme works towards alleviating this unemployment through:
Grootbos Foundation’s adult skills training initiative, Green Futures Education, equips individuals with practical skills for meaningful careers.
Through Green Futures College, young people can enrol in accredited courses in Indigenous Horticulture and Hospitality, gaining the knowledge and experience to thrive in these fields.
The Conservation Research Unit at Grootbos Foundation has six specialised researchers and two interns, based at Grootbos Private Nature Reserve.
The unit aims to document and understand the natural biodiversity of the Walker Bay region within the greater Agulhas Plain, through ecological surveys and ongoing research projects.
A team of botanists, entomologists, and conservationists collaborates with landowners and external researchers to deepen understanding of the Cape Floristic Region’s plant, insect, and ecological biodiversity, guiding effective conservation management across the landscape.
The Sports Development Programme provides sports training that uplifts communities and supports youth development.
Friendly sports interaction is used as a tool to teach vital life skills. Targeted curricula include HIV education, female empowerment, environmental education, proper nutrition, enterprise development, mental wellness, gender-based violence and ocean conservation.
The Grootbos Foundation’s Sports Development focuses on:
Grootbos Foundation is proud to be part of Chelsea Flowers in Stanford, an annual fundraiser that brings the world-renowned RHS Chelsea Flower Show from London to the heart of the Overberg, Western Cape.
This spectacular event features over 25,000 cut stems, live plants, and intricate garden installations, recreated exactly as they appeared on the international stage.
All proceeds from Chelsea Flowers in Stanford go directly to supporting the foundation’s conservation work in the Cape Floral Kingdom, as well as its community upliftment programmes, including sports development, enterprise initiatives, and adult skills training.
By attending or supporting this event, visitors help protect biodiversity and empower local communities, making a real difference right here in Walker Bay.
Read more about Chelsea Flowers in Stanford here.
Grootbos Foundation’s annual reports provide a transparent overview of its conservation and community initiatives, as well as the impact achieved over the years.
These reports are available for public viewing, offering insights for anyone interested in supporting, investing in, or getting involved with the organisation’s work.
For ease of access, the most recent reports are attached below:
2024:
2023:
https://grootbosfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/ANNUAL-REPORT-2023_Digital_Unabridged.pdf
2022:
https://grootbosfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Annual-Report-2022-Digital.pdf
The Grootbos Foundation carries the following awards and mentions:
The Grootbos Foundation thanks its donors, partners and sponsors:
A special word of thanks goes to private individuals for their donations - every cent makes a difference!
Grootbos Foundation proudly marks over 20 years of conservation and community impact in its celebration video.
Programmes at Grootbos Foundation rely on generous donations from the community and conservation-minded individuals.
Please see below for examples of how your donation could be spent within the foundation:
Banking Details:
Grootbos Green Futures Foundation
First National Bank (Hermanus)
Branch code: 200412
Current account number: 62064420856
Swift Code: FIRNZAJJ
Grootbos Foundation is a registered section 32, non-profit company (#2003/014519/08), audited annually by Villet and De Wet.
The foundation is also registered as a public benefit organisation: PBO 930023319. BB-BEE Level 1 Compliant.
Grootbos Foundation delivered an Employability Workshop for matriculants from Hermanus Child and Family Servic...
Anathi has landed a job at the local municipality which is a successful step from internship to employment. ...
Thank you for the kind messages of concern and care this week as an early summer fynbos fire burned between Ga...
The view at Grootbos shows a clear outline of where the fire moved towards the Walker Bay area and onto the re...
From all of us at Grootbos Foundation, we wish you a fabulous weekend full of wild discoveries.
This week, the children at the Masakhane Hub had a wonderful time making their own party hats using fun paper ...
