The story behind Rocherpan

Just a few kilometers outside Dwarskersbos is a marsh land with an astonishing history. Today the marsh is being managed by Cape Nature and we'll find cottages to rent with beautiful names like Oystercatcher, Sandpiper, Kingfisher and Flamingo.  These eight eco-cabins have water-less toilets and rain water systems to ensure that they have as little impact on the environment as possible.

But, ironically enough, this is where it all started: the impact of people on the environment which led to the start of this beautiful and very unique nature reserve...

Farmer Pierre Rocher first found the area in 1839 while looking for better grazing for his livestock.  To try and get something better, the farmer and his workers closed the mouth of the Papkuil River and forced the river behind the dunes which seperated the Sandveld from the sea.  This lead to a beginning of a seasonal marsh which was 6km long and 110ha big. It never goes deeper than 2m and during March to June it is usually dry.

For once the intervention of man had a positive effect - a perfect habitat for thousands of water birds was created. More than 180 bird species, under which African Black Oystercatcher, Great White Pelicans, Flamingos, Fulvous Duck, Shellduck and Hottenot Teal were seen here and most of these birds can easily be watched from one of the two bird hides next to the pan.  This reserve is also one of the most important breeding and moulting sites for the Cape Shoveler.

Two rivers run through the Rocherpan Nature Reserve and although the reserve was originally established in 1976 for the conservation value of this seasonal marsh and its importance for birds, the reserve also offers protection to several other species.  It is one of only two locations where the critically endangered aquatic plant, the Cape horned pond-weed is known to survive.  Twelve reptile species like boomslang, spotted harlequin snake, karoo whip snake have been recorded although the list is still incomplete.  Six frog species and 23 land mammals under which the endangered white-tailed mouse, vulnerable Grant`s golden mole, caracal, honey badger, several mongoose species and quite a few antelope species were also recorded.

The Marine Protected Area was declared in 1990 and stretches 500m seawards of the high water mark for the length of the nature reserve. From June to September one can come here and watch the Southern Right Whales, which annually visit the rich waters of the Western Coast.