Update on Sandstone’s wildlife

Sandstone's policy of limiting the number of fences and allowing wildlife free access to our lands without disturbance is definitely paying dividends.  We can see no downside to it. Springbok and Blesbok roam the farm in large numbers now, as well as Steenbok and duiker that have been seen in ever larger quantities. There has been strong evidence that there are a number of leopards operating in the area which we welcome. They may feel free to help themselves from our Antelope herd which can probably breed faster than the leopards can cope with.

We have been particularly excited this year about the bird population. Whenever there are implements working the birds are there in large numbers taking advantage of the rodents that have definitely increased in large numbers in South Africa's agricultural areas in recent years. We have had major problems with rodents this year and are having to take urgent steps to deal with it. Rodents can wipe out large areas of arable crops if not kept under control. We have seen big raptors swooping down and grabbing disorientated rodents that have obviously been unearthed by the big implements that we require to work the quality soils at Sandstone Estates.

Long may it continue. We recommend that our visitors take time out to look at our wildlife.