Visitors to the Klapperkop Nature Reserve are being encouraged to take responsibility for their waste and help preserve one of Pretoria’s best-loved natural spaces through a renewed anti-litter awareness campaign.

The appeal comes from the Friends of the Groenkloof and Klapperkop Nature Reserves, a non-profit community organisation that works alongside nature conservation to protect and maintain the two reserves.

Treasurer Angelique Geeringh said the campaign is aimed at keeping environmental awareness alive among the thousands of people who use the reserve each week.

“We’re simply trying to keep the awareness going and encourage people who are walking, running, or cycling to bring a small rubbish bag with them,” Geeringh said.

She explained that although rubbish bins are available throughout the reserve, visitors often consume snacks or energy supplements while out on the trails.

Geeringh said if you’re cycling or walking and you haven’t prepared for it, you might finish an energy sachet and some people simply toss the empty packet onto the ground.

“We’d rather encourage people to keep it in their pocket or in a small rubbish bag until they reach a bin,” said Geeringh.

She said the campaign reminds visitors to ’take only memories and leave only footprints’, while respecting wildlife and their habitats.

According to Geeringh, even small pieces of litter can negatively affect wildlife, damage the natural environment and detract from the beauty of the reserve.

“We want people to enjoy the reserve while also helping us protect it for future generations,” she said.

The group supports nature conservation through a variety of conservation initiatives, including organising volunteer events to remove invasive alien plant species and assisting with resources needed to maintain the reserves.

“We provide herbicide, purchase and maintain tools and equipment, and support conservation projects that help keep these natural spaces healthy, accessible, and enjoyable for everyone.”

The organisation remains active throughout the year and has several volunteer events planned in the coming months.

A group of students will participate in a black wattle clearing project on July 22, while a larger invasive plant removal initiative is scheduled for August 18.

As a registered non-profit organisation, the group relies entirely on donations to fund its conservation work.

“We’re funded strictly through donations, so we always welcome support from people who value these reserves and want to see them protected.”

Geeringh said everyone can contribute to conservation through simple everyday actions.

“Whether you’re hiking, running, cycling or simply enjoying the views, please take your litter home or dispose of it responsibly. Small actions make a big difference, and together we can ensure these remarkable reserves remain beautiful for generations to come.”

She also thanked the many visitors who already help keep Klapperkop clean by using the bins provided and respecting the natural environment.

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