By Dr Ian Little, head of Conservation The onset of a very strong El Niño event during the second half of 2026 is expected to hold similar consequences for conservation, agriculture and water security in South Africa. Climate models are … Read more
How to balance the need to conserve plants with the demand from traditional healers is crucial for reserves like Verloren Valei. By Jenny Botha, Phomelelo Malatji, and Lufuno Konanani For millions of South Africans, traditional medicine is not an alternative … Read more
The Crane Census is back! Success will depend on the input of citizen scientists, writes Lara Fuller, Drakensberg Project manager, African Crane Conservation Programme. The Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) and International Crane Foundation (ICF) partnership has been working on crane conservation … Read more
Interactions between plants and insects have evolved over the past 100 million years, resulting in the most fascinating and bizarre adaptations by both parties, writes Renier Basson, senior field officer, Drylands Strategic Conservation Landscape, Endangered Wildlife Trust. Across South Africa, … Read more
Comprehensive new guide was part-authored by Dullstroom residents, Dr Marlize Muller and Dr Kyle Lloyd. Best Practice Guidelines for High-Elevation Wetland and Peatland Management in Southern Africa is published by BirdLife South Africa. Its authors are Kyle J. Lloyd, Marlize … Read more
Steve Vincent reports back on the first two official field trips to the nearby De Berg Nature Reserve. The two Friends of Verloren Valei (FVV) field trips to De Berg took place on 21 and 28 February 2026. I previously … Read more
A quick report back on the field trips offered by Friends of Verloren Valei. These field trips remain by far the best way for members of the general public and Friends of Verloren Valei to visit and appreciate what this … Read more
A bold new scheme to link protection of our grasslands as part of efforts to reduce the carbon footprint has been initiated in South Africa, writes the Endangered Wildlife Trust. More than 90,000 hectares of irreplaceable Grasslands will now be … Read more
Wetlands can only fulfil their potential for preserving biodiversity if we work out how to work with surrounding communities, for whom wetlands represent an important resource. Wetlands not only sustain biodiversity, but also provide critical resources for surrounding communities. These … Read more
Walkersons Hotel and Spa, wetlands, flufftails and more – what could be more appealing? The 2026 Flufftail Festival lectures will be hosted by Walkersons Hotel and Spa in Dullstroom. Book your spot. For more information, please contact the Empowering People Project Manager, … Read more
