Thomas Baines Nature reserve is situated approximately 12km from Grahamstown off the N2 highway to Port Elizabeth.
Thomas Baines Nature Reserve has been somewhat of an institution amongst Grahamstown residents since the 1960’s, albeit that at the time it consisted of a mere 257ha of municipal land. In 1980 it was increased to 1,024ha. Thomas Baines is named after the well known artist, naturalist and explorer who spent much of his time in the area.
On 18 April 1990, the Thomas Baines Goldfields Environmental Education centre was officially opened and caters for up to 60 learners at a time.
At least three major vegetation types are represented at Thomas Baines - Grassy Fynbos (listed internationally as a global biodiversity hotspot), Thicket (Valley bushveld) and Afromontane Forests.
