The ratio of conserved land to producing land is 1:1 which is much higher than normal. Becoming a member of the BWI is a natural progression for the Swartland Winery, which is famed for the indigenous vegetation, 'renosterbos', which appears black in colour, hence the name.
Situated as it is at the gateway to Swartland Wine Route, the vistas show wheat fields, vineyards and miles of glorious, untamed land covered in the Cape's rich fynbos and indigenous plant heritage. This land is also home to many indigenous species peculiar to the area -a tiny Protea Scorzonerifolia (channel -leaf sugarbush) on Loffie Euvrad's farm Orangerie is just one such example. Only 9% of the unique renosterveld and lowland fynbos ecosystems remain and it is in the power of the land owners to conserve this precious heritage.
Well-managed tourism opportunities are also being developed and already a magnificent hiking trail on the farm of Babylonstoren offers tourists an exciting way of enjoying our natural heritage.
