“If we bring the skills and experience from business to protecting the environment, we can
make a real difference.”
- Penny Streeter OBE
CONSERVATION
Penny Streeter OBE champions two key causes; the conservation of the natural environment and empowering women in business. All the estates, restaurants and accommodation offerings in the Benguela Collection have interesting conservation stories. Explore these sustainability and conservation journeys.
Conservation at Benguela Cove Wine Estate
Hannuwa
Conservation and sustainability are at the heart of everything we do.
We practice hannuwa; the gathering of good fortune through living in sustainable harmony with our natural environment, according to the ancient /Xam San philosophy. You contribute by simply enjoying food, wines and exceptional experiences.
WWF Conservation Champion
Benguela Cove is a WWF Conservation Champion.
This title is for exceptional commitment to the collective conservation of threatened habitat in South Africa’s Succulent Karoo and the Cape Floral Kingdom as well as for outstanding dedication to environmentally responsible farming practices.
Sustainable Wine South Africa
Benguela Cove is committed to the standards recommended by Wines of South Africa (WoSA) and its Sustainable Wine South Africa (SWSA) programme.
From sustainable farming practices, to nurturing a culture of respect among our staff and safeguarding the rich heritage of South Africa’s winelands.
Cape Leopard Trust
We are proud to be working with the Cape Leopard Trust to raise awareness of the endangered Cape Leopard.
As part of the collaboration, Benguela Cove has installed a camera trap on the estate to capture images of the elusive leopard and other wildlife. This non-invasive wildlife monitoring method collects valuable data without disturbing the animal or its habitat. Visitors can contribute to the Cape Leopard Trust's conservation efforts by donating towards this initiative.
iNaturalist
Benguela Cove Wine Estate is also working with iNaturalist, a joint initiative of the California Academy of Sciences and the National Geographic Society.
People from across the world can record their observations, share with fellow naturalists and discuss their findings. Visitors can upload and share pictures on the iNaturalist app, contributing to the understanding of where specific plants, animals, and fungi can be found, as well as pinpointing invasive or threatened species in and around the area.
BirdLife SA
Benguela Cove Wine Estate is committed to preserving a sustainable environment where nature thrives. Through their collaboration with BirdLife, they are contributing to the crucial work of conserving birds and their habitats in South Africa.
Did you know that Birders can now book overnight accommodation? As a Recommended Accommodation partner, birding enthusiasts can expect an exceptional stay at Benguela Cove’s waterfront villas – and across South Africa with GoBirding.
Conservation at Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens
The Dream
A keen conservationist, Penny bought and restored the 240-acre Grade I Listed gardens of Leonardslee, Sussex in 2017. The estate is steeped in a rich and culturally significant heritage.
Wildlife
Once part of St Leonard's Forest, which was thought to be part of the ancient forests of the High Weald, today, Leonardslee provides a peaceful and unspoiled environment where nature thrives.
The estate is home to an extraordinary range of wildlife including foxes, rabbits, grey squirrels, badgers, weasels, stoats, shrews, voles, and their now famous wallabies.
Restoration
In 2019, Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens opened its doors after a closure of 10 years. This magnificent garden was nearly lost forever and has been the subject of the largest garden restoration in England and possibly Europe.
Gardens & Lakes
The gardens are famed for outstanding displays of Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Camellias, Magnolias, Bluebells and the beautiful ornamental rock garden. Which reach peak blooms in April – May.
Sir Edmund Loder amassed a collection of over 1000 different species of rhododendrons, making it one of the largest and most diverse collections in the world.
Protection
Many people in the local area have fond memories of their visits, and we aim to protect this magnificent heritage so that future generations get to enjoy these beautiful green spaces and the flora and fauna within.
Vineyards & Wine Tourism
Penny established England’s First Pinotage Vineyard at Leonardslee Gardens.
Surrounded by breathtaking views of the valley, Leonardslee House and the South Downs, plans are underway to release exceptional English Sparkling wines, in line with sustainable wine practices. Guests can enjoy wine tastings and wine and food pairing experiences at the estate.
Conservation at Mannings Heath Estate
Our Commitment
Penny Streeter OBE’s ongoing efforts to preserve the natural environment through responsible business and tourism practices are visible in the management of Mannings Heath Estate’s golf courses, the maintenance of the estates’ rich heritage and in the vineyards through our membership with Sustainable Wines of Great Britain.
On the Greens
Both the 9-hole Kingfisher and championship Waterfall Golf Courses must be kept in pristine condition throughout the year. This creates challenges that our greenkeepers and teams are able to overcome with sustainable practices. From the reduced use of verti-drainage systems and deep aeration, to preventing wastewater and more.
In the Vineyards
Mannings Heath Estate’s English wine journey is sustainable from the roots up. Farming with environmentally friendly methods, using slow releasing fertilizers, organic mulching and cover crops to save water, and without any harsh insecticides or Organophosphates. We operate a weather station on the farm and rely on natural pest control.