scarborough environmental group
protecting the natural quality and beauty of scarborough for present and future generations
Tucked beneath the mountain at the southern tip of Africa, Scarborough is one of the country’s last truly unspoilt coastal villages. Here, life moves at a gentler pace. The skies are dark, the air is clean, the water is pure, and the landscape is defined by mountains, wetlands, fynbos, and ocean. It is a place where nature is not simply admired—it is respected, protected, and woven into everyday life.
Scarborough’s unique character depends on a healthy and resilient natural environment. As a community, we are committed to living sustainably and caring for the ecosystems that make our village so special.
The Scarborough Environmental Group (SEG) is a volunteer-led community organisation working to protect and enhance our local environment through science, education, and practical action. We work collaboratively with residents, local authorities, and conservation partners to promote informed environmental stewardship.
what we do
protecting our water
🟢 Monitor the quality of water in Schusters, the Pound Canal, and our coastal waters through regular water-quality testing.
🟢Share results with the community to raise awareness and support informed environmental decision-making
🟢For the Cape Town’s dashboard check (testing points are SCH02 and SCH04): CPT Dashboard Water quality
sustainable wastewater management
🟢 Provide independent guidance on environmentally responsible wastewater systems, including septic tanks, soakaways, rainwater conservation tanks, and package treatment systems (biodigesters).
🟢 Promote best practice in system selection, maintenance, and regulatory compliance to help safeguard our groundwater, wetlands, and marine environment.
promoting sustainable living
🟢 Encourage the use of environmentally responsible household products and everyday practices that reduce pollution and protect our natural ecosystems.
🟢 Together, we can ensure that Scarborough remains a place where people and nature continue to thrive in harmony—a place of clean water, healthy ecosystems, and an enduring sense of wildness for generations to come.
creating a cleaner scarborough
Keeping Scarborough clean is a shared responsibility. Through practical initiatives and community participation, we work to reduce waste, increase recycling, and protect our natural environment.
waste and recycling
🟢Household recycling is collected weekly by the City on Tuesdays. To prevent baboons from accessing waste, please place recycling bags and bins out on Tuesday mornings only.
🟢Visitors and Airbnb guests are encouraged to use the enclosed recycling cage at the BioCentre, with drop-offs on Sunday afternoons or Monday mornings.
🟢Eco-bricks are collected at the BioCentre and donated to the Masiphumelele Creative Hub, where they are used in community projects.
🟢Community clean-ups are organised regularly along Main Road, Camel Rock Road, our beaches, and other public spaces.
🟢Dog waste can be disposed of in the dedicated bins at the beach entrance. These bins are maintained by SEG, and their contents are composted.
batteries, e-waste and hazardous waste
To prevent harmful materials from entering landfill and our environment, SEG organises regular collection drives for:
🟢Household batteries and rechargeable batteries
🟢Solar and gate batteries, power banks and chargers
🟢Electronic waste, from small appliances to computers, televisions, cables and household electrical equipment
🟢Household chemicals, including paint, thinners, solvents, oils and similar products
Our recycling partners follow the principles of Repair, Reuse and Recycle, ensuring that materials are recovered wherever possible. Items that cannot be recycled are disposed of using the most environmentally responsible methods available. We’re proud this process also provides green jobs and income for people who most need it.
🟢Dog waste can be disposed of in the dedicated bins at the beach entrance. These bins are maintained by SEG, and their contents are composted.
inspiring sustainable living
🟢Protecting Scarborough’s environment begins at home. SEG promotes sustainable living through community education, environmental talks, workshops, documentaries and events that encourage informed, practical action.
🟢With support from the Scarborough Village Association, SEG also undertakes maintenance projects that enhance our shared public spaces, including clearing storm damage, pruning vegetation, maintaining mountain paths, repairing boardwalks and caring for community infrastructure.
living in balance with nature
Scarborough is home to remarkable biodiversity. Protecting it requires thoughtful stewardship and respect for the natural rhythms of our environment.
Our conservation initiatives include:
🟢Protecting beaches, dunes and sensitive coastal habitats.
🟢Safeguarding breeding sites for plovers and other coastal birds through protective exclosures and public education.
🟢Promoting our Dark Night principles by encouraging residents to minimise outdoor lighting after dark, helping protect bats, owls, genets and other nocturnal wildlife. Where lighting is necessary, warm, low-wattage, downward-facing lights are recommended.
🟢Managing invasive weeds by hand wherever possible, reducing the need for herbicides such as glyphosate.
the biocentre – where our community comes together
Located beside the Community Hall, the BioCentre is the heart of many of SEG’s activities—a place where people come together to envision, commit and act for the benefit of our environment.
The BioCentre includes:
🟢A community drop-off point for kitchen waste.
🟢A composting facility that processes more than 30 tonnes of organic waste each year, significantly reducing the amount sent to landfill and the associated methane emissions.
🟢A seasonal community vegetable garden, freely available for residents to harvest.
🟢A medicinal garden that supports environmental education and traditional plant knowledge.
🟢Owl nesting boxes that provide habitat for local wildlife.
🟢Walking paths through a peaceful green space with spectacular mountain and wetland views. It’s here where families, neighbours and visitors can hang out and connect with each other and with nature
Not ran by SEG, the BioCentre communal grounds is also home to WildRoots, Scarborough’s nature-based preschool, and a community library where visitors are welcome to borrow, read or exchange books. Adjacent to the BioCentre is the community playground, ran by a small group of dedicated parents, creating a welcoming space for kiddies and families.
Together, these initiatives reflect our belief that a thriving community and a healthy environment are inseparable. Every resident and visitor has a role to play in preserving the unique character of Scarborough for generations to come.
be part of protecting scarborough
Everything SEG achieves is made possible by people who care.
The Scarborough Environmental Group is led by a dedicated volunteer Coordination Group that plans, coordinates and drives our many environmental initiatives. We work closely with the Scarborough Village Association and its Task Groups, bringing together residents who share a commitment to protecting the unique natural heritage of our village.
Our work is supported by two part-time staff members who help maintain the BioCentre and assist with our environmental programs throughout the week.
volunteer with us
Whether you have an hour to spare, practical skills to share, or simply a passion for nature, your contribution can make a real difference.
By volunteering, you become part of a community working together to keep Scarborough clean, protect its wildlife, restore its natural spaces, and inspire sustainable living for future generations.
To get involved, please contact:
🟢Andre Greyling – 072 242 2710
🟢Sander Mahieu – 076 076 1291
support our work
Every compost heap maintained, every water sample analysed, every tree cared for, every beach cleaned, and every conservation project undertaken depends on the generosity of our community.
If you value the beauty, biodiversity and unique character of Scarborough, please consider making a financial contribution. Your support enables SEG to continue caring for the environment that we all share.
Annual Supporter Options
🟢SEG Star – R1,200 per year
🟢SEG Member – R600 per year
Monthly contributions are warmly welcomed, and donations of any amount are greatly appreciated—particularly from visitors and residents who enjoy or benefit from SEG’s facilities, programs and environmental initiatives.
Banking Details
Scarborough Environmental Group
Standard Bank
Savings Account: 07 369 657 9