In an exciting development for conservation in Mpumalanga, a private farm was officially declared a nature reserve through biodiversity stewardship on 6 December 2024. This milestone represents a significant victory for both nature and people in the Steenkampsberg region.

But what is biodiversity stewardship? At its heart, biodiversity stewardship is a partnership with landowners who become recognised custodians of South Africa’s natural heritage. This innovative approach allows sustainable land use to continue while ensuring that vital ecosystems are protected through various types of agreements, from informal to legally binding. The farm was bought in the 1960s by the Tilden-Davis family. A small house on the property was extended, but other than that no major changes were made. Tim Tilden-Davis, after whom the nature reserve is named, was keen to leave the farm as undisturbed as possible. Seven shareholders now own the farm, attracted by its beauty and simplicity, and are committed to preserving and protecting its biodiversity. The new nature reserve has numerous perennial springs, seeps and wetlands and is close to the source of the Klip River. Thanks to overwhelming public involvement, our campaign to establish the Tim Tilden-Davis Nature Reserve received 1169 signed letters of support, all of which were submitted to the provincial government. This impressive show of public support demonstrates the deep connection South Africans have to their natural environment. Situated in the Steenkampsberg mountain range, the Tim Tilden-Davis Nature Reserve creates a habitat corridor between the Verloren Valei and De Berg nature reserves, both of which are Ramsar sites. This strategic location protects:

• Water resources supplying many downstream wetlands in the Olifants catchment;
• Endangered Dullstroom Plateau Grassland;
• Habitat for threatened and endemic bird species, including Blue, Wattled and Grey Crowned cranes, European Roller, Secretarybird, Yellow-breasted Pipit, Cape Rock Thrush and Greater Double-collared Sunbird;
• Important water catchment areas that provide clean water to downstream communities.

The new nature reserve itself protects irreplaceable biodiversity identified in the Mpumalanga Biodiversity Sector Plan; safeguards poorly protected Steenkampsberg Montane Grassland; strengthens the network of protected areas in this globally important region; supports South Africa’s international conservation commitments; and ensures a sustainable water supply by protecting critical catchment areas. The declaration of the Tim Tilden-Davis Nature Reserve demonstrates how private landowners, conservation organisations and the state can work together to protect South Africa’s natural treasures. BirdLife South Africa and Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency will continue to work with the landowners to develop conservation objectives and management structures to ensure that the protection of species and habitats is maintained. We extend our gratitude to Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency for its support in this important conservation initiative. Visitor information Please note that the Tim Tilden-Davis Nature Reserve is a private reserve and is closed to the public. Visitors wishing to experience the remarkable wildlife and scenery of the Steenkampsberg area are welcome to visit the neighbouring provincial Verloren Valei Nature Reserve. DR MARLIZE MULLER, STEENKAMPSBERG CONSERVATION OFFICER; DR KYLE LLOYD, WETLAND CONSERVATION PROJECT MANAGER/ROCKJUMPER FELLOW OF WHITE-WINGED FLUFFTAIL CONSERVATION; CLIVE DIGNON, MANAGER, TIM TILDEN-DAVIS NATURE RESERVE