Alien Vegetation on Flower Valley properties
The encroachment of alien vegetation (introduced invasive plant species) is one of the major threats to the conservation of fynbos on the Agulhas Plain. It was estimated in 2000 that at least 20% of the natural vegetation on the Agulhas Plain was heavily infested with alien vegetation.
At the time of the Flower Valley (FV) purchase by FFI, encroachment of alien invasive vegetation provided one of the major threats to its conservation. A variety of fast-growing, fire-induced tree species were rapidly spreading throughout the region with major impacts on biodiversity. The FV and later Witvoetskloof properties were widely impacted by these plants. 
Initially funding was provided by SANParks and clearing was focused on the river and wetland areas which were particularly heavily invaded by stinkbean (Paraserianthus lophantha). Subsequent alien clearing was undertaken by picking teams during quiet times in the flower business and focused on the lightly infested areas where maximum results were achieved with limited funds.
Following the February 2006 fire that burnt over 60 000 hectares of land on the western Agulhas Plain (including FV, Witvoetskloof and Witkrans) a joint initiative was launched between the ABI partners to access funds for alien clearing and job creation. This initiative highlighted the opportunity that the fire had created in having cleared all standing alien invasive plants from the area and thereby providing a short window period for cost effective follow up clearing of the regrowth. The proposal also highlighted the impact of the fire on local communities’ livelihoods (it was estimated that over 4000 livelihoods were impacted by the fire). Through this combined initiative by the ABI partners R6 million was allocated by the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism for follow-up clearing and job creation in the area affected by the fire. Through this initiative landcare principles were applied and the funding implemented by CapeNature on the areas affected by the fire.
As a result the FV/Witvoetskloof properties as well as the majority of immediate neighbours within the Walker Bay Fynbos Conservancy were completely cleared of alien vegetation. This intervention has significantly improved the general condition and conservation status of the Trust's properties. This was a fantastic example of how joint interventions and conservation partnerships can work for the better of the region. The FVCT aim is to maintain the cleared areas as a matter of priority and continuously monitor and control invasive alien spread on its property.