Kenilworth Racecourse: A sanctuary for biodiversity in Cape Town
What many people might not know is that the Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Racecourse, a landmark in Cape Town since 1881, is not only celebrated for its racing heritage but also carries ecological significance.
The 52-hectare Kenilworth Racecourse Conservation Area (KRCA), privately owned by RaceCoast, has been inadvertently protected since the racecourse’s establishment and is now managed by the non-profit organisation Nature Connect, which supports and facilitates conservation efforts in urban areas.
The KRCA is home to some of the City of Cape Town’s most threatened species.
“The flagship species for the site is the Critically Endangered Micro frog (Microbatrachella capensis), less than 18mm in length, which is the only population found in the city region,” said Lindile Masinyana, Site Manager at Nature Connect.
Other endangered amphibians on the property include the Cape Platanna (Xenopus gilli), Cape Rain Frog (Breviceps gibbosus), and Flat Caco (Cacosternum platys). Beyond amphibians, the site provides refuge for a diverse and healthy population of bird species.
The flora of KRCA is equally remarkable. The site protects Critically Endangered Cape Flats Sand Fynbos vegetation, of which less than 15% remains and only 2% has formal conservation status.
“We protect over 400 plant species, including the Critically Endangered Pearl Heath (Erica margaritacea) and have successfully reintroduced species extinct in the wild, such as Kenilworth Heath (Erica turgida) and Whorled Heath (Erica verticillata),” Masinyana explained.
The conservation area also contains 16 seasonal wetlands that fill during winter, providing essential habitats for amphibians, birds, and plant life.
“Water quality and depth are monitored regularly to ensure the site remains unaffected by negative impacts,” said Fayruz Prins, Assistant Conservation Officer, while noting that threats such as nearby development, groundwater contamination, and alien plant invasion remain ongoing concerns.
Current conservation practices at KRCA include restoration through alien plant clearing and the use of an in-house plant nursery for habitat rehabilitation.
Public engagement is also a key part of the programme, with events such as night frog walks and Spring flower walks giving visitors a chance to experience the site.
“The long-term goal is to secure formal proclamation for the site so it can be fully protected as a Nature Reserve,” Masinyana added.
Nature Connect works closely with the racecourse events team to ensure that conservation activities do not interfere with racing or major events, an arrangement that has functioned effectively for several years. The KRCA also benefits from partnerships with Friends of KRCA, Race Coast, HollywoodBets, and Nature Connect, as well as informal collaborations with SANBI, CREW, and the City of Cape Town, which support both ecological research and community engagement.
“As the landowner, Hollywoodbets Kenilworth has demonstrated exceptional commitment to protecting this land and ensuring it receives the recognition it deserves,” Prins said.
Plans are underway for the property to receive Protected Nature Reserve status through a stewardship agreement with CapeNature, further cementing its role as a critical urban conservation area.
The KRCA stands as a rare example of how heritage, sport, and conservation can intersect, offering a sanctuary for endangered species while highlighting the importance of preserving biodiversity within a city landscape.
tracy-lynn.ruiters@inl.co.za