Development has become a 'buzz word' along the Garden Route, with many individuals and developers rushing to claim their piece of paradise. Nature's Valley is probably the closest one can get to paradise. Minimal development impacts have occurred in the village and its environs remain pristine, seemingly nestled in the forest.

Surrounded by Tsitsikamma National Park, Nature's Valley is a small coastal village with only approximately ninety permanent residents. The property owners who initially built houses in the Valley, did so with extreme sensitivity, leaving as much indigenous bush in tact as possible, building within the ecological framework and having minimal impact.

The first colonial family to settle in Nature's Valley arrived in 1871 and by 1930 there were nine families who regularly camped in the valley. In 1953 Nature's Valley was declared a residential area and, with foresight, from 1954, all building plans had to be passed by the Nature's Valley Development Company in an attempt to retain the intended character of Nature's Valley. No zinc or asbestos corrugated roofing was allowed, the houses were not allowed to cover an area of more than 100m² and the houses were to be sold for a minimum of £2 000.

The unique character of Nature's Valley remains, with many current homeowners having inherited a small piece of 'paradise' from their fathers or grandfathers and who hold wonderful memories of glorious family holidays, exploring the Valley's treasure trove of wild secrets ….. forests, dunes, rock pools, lagoons …. And wild creatures. The rich mosaic of coastal fynbos, magnificent indigenous forest, pulsing estuary, clean river, dune scrub forest, beach, cliffs, rocks and boundless southern ocean combine to support an amazing variety of wildlife. This includes the graceful and elegant Bushbuck, the Leopard, a skilful hunter that demands respect, the Honey Badger, one of the more aggressive characters known, and Blue Duiker, the smallest antelope in the southern hemisphere, all of which are protected. Close on 200 bird species have been recorded in and around Nature's Valley and these include the Long-crested Eagle, the Crowned Eagle, considered the most powerful of African raptors and the African Fish Eagle, whose evocative call draws our attention when it visits the Lagoon. The striking Knysna Lourie is often seen gliding between the trees and you may be fortunate enough to see the exquisite Narina Trogons.

In December 2000 the Nature's Valley Trust was established as a community initiative by a group of Nature's Valley families. The goal was to engage all stakeholders and contribute to proactively maintaining the environmental integrity of Nature's Valley and the surrounding area. Through the Nature's Valley Trust and the Nature's Valley Ratepayers Association the community has a vehicle to work through to ensure that proposed development is appropriate and sustainable and that environmental impact is minimized. The Trust has researched and drawn up a detailed Status Report, regular newsletters and updates are distributed to all ratepayers and interested members, a series of eco-guidelines have been produced and various research and conservation project have been initiated. The Nature's Valley community is involved in decision-making and the Ratepayers Association meets regularly to play an active role in ensuring that the village is appropriately maintained.

At present, the majority of the now approximately 400 properties in Nature's Valley are unfenced, with many of the houses tucked unobtrusively under forest canopy and gardens that protect the varied indigenous flora. With this, the wild inhabitants of the Valley remain an integral part of the village and close interactions with wildlife are common. It is these intimate links with the wider realm of nature that makes Nature's Valley so special.

Living, holidaying or visiting Nature's Valley should come with an individual and collective responsibility to ensure that development is appropriate and utilisation sustainable. As with all human intervention, Nature's Valley has not completely escaped developmental impacts but these are comparatively small. The Nature's Valley community has drawn together and contributed resources and expertise. Authors and ornithologists, botanists and photographers and a host of other enthusiasts are involved in Nature's Valley and willingly offer their skills to ensure the "Valley remains green".

Nature's Valley is a prime example of a community that has taken responsibility for its environment.