FOSNA was founded 25 years ago under the auspices of the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa, to which it is still affiliated. Its purpose was, and is, to support flora and fauna conservation of Silvermine section of TMNP (Table Mountain National Park). This includes hands-on support such as hacking of alien vegetation and also financial contributions for specific purposes such as repair of fire damage to boardwalks and water tanks, information posters and tree planting at the reservoir parking area and a camera for monitoring the activities of animals.

Conservation also includes education and the committee offers weekly walks to members and the public and produces FloraDoc, a database of the flora of TMNP with descriptions and colour images of plants photographed on the Peninsula. We also publish a small dictionary of Botanical names, what they mean explaining the Greek and Latin names of our plants. These are available from FOSNA and from Kirstenbosch Book Shop