| Lourens River Protected Natural Environment | |
|---|---|
 | |
  Lourens River Protected Natural Environment location | |
| Location | Western Cape,South Africa |
| Nearest city | Somerset West |
| Coordinates | 34°04′41″S18°53′06″E / 34.078°S 18.885°E /-34.078; 18.885 |
| Area | 4,412.41 ha (10,903.3 acres) |
| Established | 5 September 1997 |
Lourens River Protected Natural Environment is a section of protected land along theLourens River in theHelderberg region,South Africa.
TheLourens River is about 23 kilometres (14 mi) long, flowing from theHottentots Holland Mountains intoFalse Bay atStrand. Its upper reaches are relatively undisturbed and are privately owned. However, the lower part of the river flows through developed areas as well as pastfynbos and plantations of invasive alien trees. This natural area is threatened by pollution as well as by invasive alien weeds such asKikuyu grass and theBlack Wattle tree.[1]
TheDick Dent Bird Sanctuary is contained within the protected area. Beside the protected area is theVergelegen Nature Reserve. West of the protected environment is theHelderberg Nature Reserve.[2]
