The Stainbank family who settled here in 1857 cultivated a large part of this reserve. Kenneth Stainbank, after whom the reserve was named, donated the land to the public. It was opened as a nature reserve in 1967 under the administration of Natal Parks Board. As a result of its history, the land has been greatly disturbed in parts and a variety of habitats exists, most of which can be visited by following the extensive and well planned trail system. Grassland and bush-clump mosaic surround a small dam which provides refuge for some ducks, crakes and rails. Black-headed Herons and Yellow-throated Longclaws are characteristic of the grasslands, which are also grazed by Burchell's Zebra Equus burchelli and Impala Aepyceros melampus .
