About the Biosphere

Some facts about our area:

Betty’s Bay is situated within the buffer/transitional zone of the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve and it is important to think of the Biosphere as not only a floral kingdom, but to take into account the entire ecosystem. The Kogelberg area was declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO and Betty’s Bay was awarded Conservancy status.

Visitors continue to visit our area because of the beautiful Fynbos, beaches and the peace and quiet. However, so many fail to endeavour to abide by the simple rules of keeping our area clear of litter and adhering to the simple rules and regulations that exist.

We often experience extremely heavy rains and unfortunately many of our roads are affected. We would request all our visitors and community to please drive carefully, the municipality is really trying their best to correct the situation.

Hints on the preservation of this paradise.

• LITTER, WASTE AND RECYCLING — We have an active recycling programme. Please recycle where ever possible.
  The white plastic bags are for recycling - glass bottles, paper, plastic and cans. We do have special containers for glass and paper situated at the Waste Station next to the Municipal Offices (opposite the Library) on Clarence Drive, Betty’s Bay.
  • Black bags are to be placed in the baboon proof bins provided on the property. These containers should be placed outside the property on Mondays for collection by the Municipality. Please do not place the black refuse bags outside the property – should there be no baboon proof bins provided it would be appreciated if the bags could be placed in the cage provided at the Waste Station.
  • Over the Christmas holiday season refuse will be removed on a daily basis except on Public Holidays. Kindly take any refuse bags that have not been collected to the container provided at the Waste Station opposite the Library at the Municipal Offices in Clarence Drive, this will prevent dogs, mongoose and baboons ripping the bags open and littering the area.
• PUMPING OF SEPTIC TANKS — Remember December/January are very busy months with many holiday makers visiting Betty’s Bay, therefore please ensure that you make timeous arrangements to have your tank pumped – please do not leave it until the last minute.
• BABOONS — Baboons will try to enter a house if they see or smell food inside. Please keep all doors and windows closed if nobody is at home. Note that it is illegal to feed the baboons, harm or shoot them.
• PETS — Leashes are compulsory when taking dogs for walks, even on the beaches. Please ensure that your pets do not constitute a nuisance or danger to fellow residents, birds and our precious wild life. When walking your dogs it would be appreciated if you would pick up the faecies.
• FIRES — Fires can be a major hazard in our area – Fynbos burns very quickly. We ask that you exercise extreme caution when setting and lighting fires and to avoid doing so at all times when the wind is strong. Please be extra careful to extinguish the fire COMPLETELY and not to let it die down on its own, as the slightest bit of wind can cause a fire. Under no circumstances must hot coals be dumped in the bushes, this has been the cause of many fires in Betty’s Bay.
• FIREWORKS — NO FIREWORKS ARE ALLOWED. Please do not discharge any fireworks or crackers in Betty’s Bay. The unlawful ischarge of fireworks is not only a fire hazard to the summer Fynbos but also affects animals and annoys your neighbours.
• WATER — Please use water sparingly as this is a very precious source in the Western Cape.
• LIGHTS — Lights are a pollutant, negatively affecting not only your neighbourhood but also the fauna. Outside lights should not be left on all night. Relax and enjoy the stars!!
• NOISE — You have come to Betty’s Bay for the peace and quiet. Please respect this. Sound systems should be for your ears only!
• SPEEDING — Many visitors to Betty’s Bay, especially the youngsters, are often seen spinning their cars around corners on the sand roads. This is not only extremely dangerous but also aggravates the conditions of the roads, especially after heavy rains. We also request parents not to allow young children to drive – we know that the roads are quiet, but this is all the more reason why youngsters ride their bicycles, skate board or play games in the roads.
• SAND DUNES — Please help to protect our sand dunes by adhering to the path ways and not creating new paths every time you visit the beach. Please do not interfere with the natural growth on the dunes. Sand boarding can be enjoyed on the dunes in Silversands.
• SWIMMING — We request parents to please be extra vigilant when taking the family to the beach over the holiday period - make sure that you know where your children are at all times. Please swim within the area designated by the Life Savers and follow their instructions. They are there to look after your safety and to ensure that your experience on the beach is a happy one.
• OYSTER CATCHERS AND BIRD LIFE — We request visitors to please not interfere with the rare Oyster Catchers during breeding season. Areas have been demarcated where there are nests. Please keep children and dogs away.
• PROPERTY — We would also request you to please respect other people’s properties, we have chosen not to have fences but that does not give anyone the right to walk through our properties.

We sincerely trust that you will help to keep Betty’s Bay the lovely, peaceful village that keeps bringing you back to visit us.