Our work — Branch 2

Environmental Initiatives

Custodians can’t do it alone. This is the other half of our work: changing how all of us treat the spaces we share.

Why it matters

An idea, into a campaign, into a movement.

Protect our Paths started with a call to conserve the natural playgrounds we gain so much inspiration from. We use nature to ground ourselves, to recharge, and just because we love it — and picking up one piece of litter every time you’re out there has no impact on your time in it.

So alongside the custodian programme, we design campaigns, educational initiatives and community experiences that inspire lasting behavioural change. We educate beachgoers and trail users on the impact of pollution, encourage proper waste disposal, and empower everyone to become a custodian of their own favourite space.

We are all capable of making little differences to our environment that add up to large impacts — and sometimes these small mindset shifts are the beginning of something big. Once we start to really care for our environments, that care extends throughout our lives.

It’s as simple as picking up 1 piece of litter.

Play your part

Join us. Pick up one piece.

Come to a clean-up, run a trail with us, or simply pick up one piece of litter on your next hike or morning dip. Grab a Trail Mate or a POP Tee while you’re at it — every one sold puts more equipment and support behind our custodians.

Campaigns & events

Where you can join us

Everything we’ve run and everything that’s coming up — clean-ups, trail runs, community days and awareness campaigns.

Upcoming
Upcoming Sunday, 6 December 2026

Deli2Sea 2026

After a two-year hiatus, Deli2Sea is back — a 15.5km awareness and fundraising run from Chardonnay Deli Constantia to Chardonnay Deli Kalk Bay. Created with Sealand and Chardonnay Deli in support of Protect our Paths and Guardians of the Deep, it brings together trail runners, ocean lovers and local businesses to raise funds for mountain, coastal and marine conservation. And remember: it’s not a race, it’s a movement.

Get your ticket →
Past events
Youth Day 2026

Footprints for the Future

A morning of movement, community and giving back with the Hout Bay Leopards and Pura Soda. Participants chose a 5km hike, 6km trail trot or 8km trail run, before a community beach clean-up at Hout Bay Beach. Funds raised went to Sentinel Ocean Alliance’s youth programmes.

24 April 2026

Milnerton Beach Clean Up

We joined Sealand, Marine Watch, Guardians of the Deep, Prescient Freedom Paddle and SANParks to clean up Milnerton Beach ahead of the Prescient Freedom Paddle — removing litter before it entered our oceans, and educating the youth and public on marine protection.

6 June

World Oceans Day

A collaborative beach clean up alongside Sentinel Ocean Alliance, Sealand, Parley and a number of other like-minded environmental organisations and brands. A great day out with a caring community of planet protectors and ocean warriors.

Ongoing

Yoga For The Planet

An environmental and movement experience designed to care for both our bodies and the planet — mindful movement, hands-on environmental action and conscious creativity. All proceeds went directly to Protect our Paths and the custodians who care for Cape Town’s natural spaces.

Campaigns
Mandela Day 2026

Refreshi x The President Hotel x Sealand

Making it easy for people to pay forward surplus food to the custodians who care for Cape Town’s beaches, mountains and public spaces. Thanks to the community, all 12 custodians received a Refreshi food bag — diverting good food from landfill while supporting those protecting our natural spaces.

Mandela Day 2026

Vida x Sealand — Make your coffee count

R6.70 donated to Protect our Paths for every purchase of R67 or more via the Vida App, at stores across South Africa. A simple yet powerful way for customers to make their coffee count. One piece — or in this case, one coffee — at a time.

Ongoing

Poolution

A campaign highlighting the reality of ocean waste. An intricately woven pool cover — created using waste found in the ocean of the Southern Peninsula — was placed in some of the most renowned tidal pools on that coast. The objective: to turn the morning dip into a moment of reflection.

Ongoing

Protect our Trails

Picking up one piece of litter every time you are on a trail has no impact on your time in nature. We use nature to ground ourselves, to recharge, and just because we love it. Why not show Mother Nature how much we love her by preserving these paths for future generations.

How do I help?

Pick up one piece of litter. Every piece counts.

The simplest, easiest and cheapest way to support us is the one we advocate for. Next time you’re on a trail run, hike or morning dip, take the time to pick up one piece of litter.

Get involved