[citation needed] Within the current 1,445 ha, there is evidence of early human occupation,[citation needed] with shell middens dating back approximately 15,000 years.

The reserve also conserves the site of the 1806 Battle of Blaauwberg, when the British took possession of the Cape from the Dutch for the second time and retained ownership until South Africa's independence.

On Blaauwberg Hill, several buildings were constructed during World War II, including a radar station, a lookout and a mess room.

[citation needed] Simple bollards in the coastal parking areas have stopped 4x4s from accessing and ultimately driving on the beach, and, already, the endangered vegetation has recovered and the African oystercatcher (Haematopus moquini) has since returned.

Illegal vehicles had not only endangered the vegetation and oystercatcher, but had destroyed a number of the shell middens.