Let’s find out about Alberts Farm Conservancy’s biodiversity

Found nestled between Northcliff, Albertskroon and Greymont, is what many consider to be the green jewel, Alberts Farm Conservancy.

We found out more about the conservancy from Friends of Alberts Farm Conservancy committee member, Marianne Coetzee.
Here is what she had to say:

At first glance, this 74-hectare piece of gently sloping land lying against the Northcliff Ridge, is unassuming. On closer inspection though, one might think you have arrived in an oasis among the city suburbs.

Alberts Farm Conservancy is the second largest green lung in Johannesburg after Delta Park. The birdlife is prolific and includes waterbirds on the dam, along the stream and around the wetland and pond. The frog chorus on quiet evenings is a very special experience and the calls of the 40-strong troop of helmeted guinea fowl welcome you to the park. The park has a variety of landscapes, from natural, unspoiled grassland to rocky ridges, from wetlands with a stream and spring to Shrek’s Forest, a spectacular tree-lined area that offers peace and silence to those who take the time to walk through here.

Not only does the conservancy provide a welcome green lung to residents but is also home to an astonishing number of mammal, bird, reptile, frog and invertebrate species. The park provides sanctuary to no less than six small mammal species, more than 100 bird species including about 10 birds of prey – with visits by the long-crested eagle – and six kingfisher species. There are also about 10 reptile species which includes snakes, lizards and terrapins, three amphibian species, and about six fish species in the dam. Added to this, is a mind-boggling array of invertebrate species including scorpions, spiders and insects.

All of these animals and birds rely on the rich floral diversity at Alberts Farm Conservancy with 183 species of trees, flowering plants, forbs, grasses and sedges. Diversity is highest in the rocky grassland and ridge area. This sensitive area, also boasts a high diversity of infaunal species, with some rare and surprising species being found in this habitat.

Friends of Alberts Farm Conservancy has been working with Johannesburg City Parks since 1996 to manage this special place, and maintain it in its pristine, natural state. The Friends of Alberts Farm Conservancy committee and members, and residents from the nearby community and further afield are committed and working to protect this valuable green lung.