Rocherpan Nature Reserve
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| Rocherpan Nature Reserve | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Location | Western Cape South Africa |
| Coordinates | 32°36′53″S 18°18′7″E / 32.61472°S 18.30194°E |
| Area | 1,800 ha (4,400 acres) |
| Established | December 10, 1976 |
| Governing body | CapeNature |
| Website | CapeNature - Rocherpan Nature Reserve |
  Rocherpan Nature Reserve (South Africa) | |
Rocherpan Nature Reserve is a nature reserve on the West Coast of Western Cape, South Africa. It borders the sea, about 25 km (16 mi) north of Velddrif[1] on the road between Velddrif and Laaiplek to Elands Bay, and is north of Dwarskersbos. The reserve occupies an area of 1,080 ha (2,700 acres).[1]
In 1839, Pierre Rocher dredged the mouth of the Papkuils River and used water drawn from the Auroraberg Mountains to make better pasture for his cattle behind the dunes.[1] In the process, he unwittingly established ideal bird habitat.
The lake was declared a nature reserve in 1966.[2] Since 1988, the area 500 m (1,600 ft) from the coast has been a marine reserve, the Rocherpan Marine Protected Area.