Plaisir provides a sanctuary for local wildlife and threatened vegetation communities.  The farm nurtures a spectrum of ecosystems from riverine and wetland, to natural vegetation corridors which support a wealth of diversity in plants, insects, birds and small mammals. Rivers and wetlands are priority areas and the farm ensures that these aquatic zones are maintained in their natural state so as to serve as a natural habitat for fauna and flora.  Restoration through the planting of indigenous vegetation takes place along the natural corridors on an annual basis to ensure the optimum functioning of these important ecosystems. In addition, the farm plants indigenous trees and other vegetation on an annual basis in riparian zones in consultation with the Simonsberg Conservancy.

Dominant fynbos species found on the farm which require protection and in respect of which conservation efforts are made are Boland Graniet Fynbos and Kogelberg Sandsteen Fynbos. In addition to these, there is also Renosterveld and various sections of natural fynbos, for example, Daschbosch against the mountainside. Approximately four years ago a rare and iconic protea was discovered on the farm namely the Leucospermum grandiflorum or Grey Leaf Fountain Pincushion/Rainbow Pincushion.  Plaisir is one of a handful of locations where this iconic species can be found. 

The farm in conjunction with Cape Nature has installed camera traps which document and record wildlife.  The Cape leopard, honey badger, buck, barn owl, otters, mongoose, and caracal are but a few of the fauna to be found on the farm. The national bird of South Africa namely the Blue Crane can also be found on the farm which is a special treat as it is classified as a vulnerable and endangered species. 

The farm has three fire breaks all of which are maintained every two years.  In addition to the fire breaks the farm brush cuts vegetation up to 15 meters around the road at the top of the farm close to the vineyards. Access roads are maintained and erosion is controlled and minimised as far as possible and the roads are maintained through the construction of “sumps” and certain staff has received accredited veld fire-fighting training in order to be prepared in the event of a bushfire erupting.

The Banhoek Conservancy, encompasses approximately 5,500 hectares, represents a collaborative effort by private landowners dedicated to preserving our diverse and precious fauna and flora.