[1] The geology of the Van Stadens catchments is primarily derived from rock of the mid-Palaeozoic Era that formed the Table Mountain Group of the Cape Supergroup.

The Van Stadens Wild Flower Reserve situated upstream and this nature conservancy has kept the level of nutrient input low.

The Van Stadens River gorge is home to the largest population in the world of sterculia alexandri (known as the Cape star chestnut).

[7] Adjacent to the N2 national road to Cape Town and 25 km west of Port Elizabeth is the Van Stadens Wild Flower Reserve.

[7] Van Stadens River catchment area is also home to the endangered Smith's dwarf chameleon and Hewitt's ghost frog.