Back in 2008 Fairview, along with Cape Nature, implemented a conservation management program on the farm and surrounds.

The project commenced on the Paarl Mountain, where Fairview first teamed up with the Working for Water social and environmental rehabilitation program to clear an alien pine forest in an attempt to restore part of the mountain’s natural vegetation (predominantly Fynbos).

Fairview’s alien vegetation removal efforts have since grown from strength to strength, and now also include the removal of major environmental concerns such as Blue Gum, Port Jackson and Black Wattle across the neighbouring farms and surrounds. The latest area to be conserved is nearby Van Wyk’s Vlei, where the Fairview/Working for Water team is working to restore the natural river wetland vegetation.

The wood of the alien trees is used for firewood in the Fairview farm workers’ homes, as well as for mulching on the vine rows. The labour necessary to chip this wood is yet another job creation opportunity made possible by the project.

Aside from the continual alien vegetation removal and maintenance that it necessitates, the Fairview/Cape Nature conservation plan also includes various other activities such as soil erosion prevention, monitoring of plant species and fire management, to name a few.