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animal protection & environmental sanctuaryA non-profit organisation specialising in Primate
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BLINKWATER ENVIRO WATCH The majestic Blinkwater mountain is situated in the picturesque KwaZulu Natal Midlands, in the vast mountainous area between Greytown, New Hanover, Mooi River and Karkloof. This outstanding landmark is part of the Drakensberg Mountain range, which consists of savannah mountain top, timber plantations, natural forests, grasslands plus numerous streams, water falls, gorges and an abundance of wildlife which includes numerous species of birds. This sensitive habitat is also home to exquisite indigenous wild flowers, shrubs. trees, grasses and many other species. It is home to several rare and endangered wildlife species, including oribi, blue crane, ground hornbill, the blue swallow, leopard, Samango monkeys to name a few.
Blinkwater means shiny water, due to the numerous small rivers and streams that have their origin from springs deep within the mountain. Blinkwater is one of the first conservancies to be formed in Kwazulu/Natal. The people of B.E.W. try to patrol the area regularly, removing snares, prevent poaching, illegal dog hunting and to eliminate invasive alien plants and litter. ![]() BLINKWATER ENVIROMENTAL WATCH PROJECTS; IS LINKED TO A.P.E.S
IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE: Our programme does not follow a strict routine – we deal with nature, elements, wild animals, poachers, children – none of these are predictable and very often the unexpected happens!
Who should apply as a candidate for Blinkwater Enviro Watch? B.E.W. is ideal for volunteers who wants to work and live with Nature and wanting to experience the reality of true South African living. It provides hands-on experiences in conservation and resource management. It is suitable for volunteers with a love of Nature, isolation and peace; for people who have a passion for wildlife and the ability to pass on this passion and values to the less privileged .This project will be of particular interest to students in related fields such as zoology, conservation, botany, veterinary science, environmental studies and education. It is also unique for city dwellers who want to reconnect to nature and come in touch with their inner selves again by rediscovering the use of their senses.
Rescued injured vervet being treated at local vet surgery
operational timber estates, some commercial farms but the important priority is the conservation of wildlife including the flora and fauna. None of the B.E.W. people own any of the property or receive any financial assistance whatsoever. B.E.W. is unique offering an opportunity for volunteers wanting to experience solitude in Nature and a true South African experience. This country is very different, exciting and challenging!B.E.W. is a non-profit organization, run by people who are passionate about conservation, wildlife and the environment. They are dedicated to preserving this magnificent area, including it’s indigenous fauna and flora. This conservancy property is owned by companies, private owners and KZN Ezemvelo Wildlife. It is important to note that this is not a game reserve but a conservancy consisting of ![]() Bushbuck ewe died due to being snared The people of B.E.W. reside at Mountain Falls. This is the first overnight stopping off point for hikers on the well known Blinkwater Hiking Trail. The grassland reserve on top of the mountain belongs to KZN EzemveloWildlife forming part of this conservancy. The conservancy consists of a variety of biomes or natural areas. As in most of Africa, our natural environment is under serious threat, constant poaching, illegal dog hunting, snaring and the invasion of alien plant species and litter are all part of its destruction Blinkwater Enviro Watch Volunteer Project is divided into four categories, it would be appreciated if volunteers assisted in all of these categories:
1.. Environmental projects Volunteers are required to assist with the caring, feeding of all resident animals as well as the injured or orphaned wild animals rehabilitating at Mountain Falls. They are required to help with gardening (we try to integrate indigenous plants and herbs into the garden}. They might be required to assist with preparation of herbal medicines, building enclosures for specific animals in rehab etc. Volunteers may be required to assist KZN Wildlife Honorary Officers, our local SPCA and officials from the Dept. of Agriculture with their projects in the area.
3.Community Upliftment Project 4. Domestic chores: ![]() IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE: Our programme does not follow a strict routine – we deal with nature, elements, wild animals, poachers, children – none of these are predictable and very often the unexpected happens.
Who should apply as a candidate for Blinkwater Enviro Watch? B.E.W. is ideal for volunteers who wants to work and live with Nature and wanting to experience the reality of true South African living. It provides hands-on experiences in conservation and resource management. It is suitable for volunteers with a love of Nature, isolation and peace; for people who have a passion for wildlife and the ability to pass on this passion and values to the less privileged .This project will be of particular interest to students in related fields such as zoology, conservation, botany, veterinary science, environmental studies and education. It is also unique for city dwellers who want to reconnect to nature and come in touch with their inner selves again by rediscovering the use of their senses. ![]() This is an ideal venue for people that are recovering from personal loss, emotional pain – people looking to find closure and peace. Let B.E.W. with its isolated nature, magnificent views and total peace help you to rejuvenate your body, mind and soul…… In a nutshell, it is ideal for people who can think creatively, have initiative and are not scared of a challenge or hard work! Love animals nature and the environment. It is not suitable for those who don’t care for the environment, conservation, children or animals or are allergic to cats etc or think this might be a cheap holiday; scared, of animals or hard work; and expect five-star hotel treatment and service…….PLEASE DON’T APPLY
ACCOMMODATION Mountain Falls, the Enviro Watch Crew Residence, is approx. 70km from Pietermaritzburg, 41km from Greytown. It is situated on the Battlefields Route and the Natal Midlands Amble. It is also a sanctuary for a menagerie of rescued and rehabilitating wildlife and domestic animals. Volunteers sleep in the cottage, that includes a shared bedroom with bunk beds, separate bathroom with bath, basin and toilet. Meals are provided at the main house. Please note: There are no spa facilities, night clubs or any other of the creature comforts that you’ll find at home, a hotel or holiday resort. At night your only form of entertainment will be our S A. TV, a spectacular night sky, the night calls of yet unknown animals, the eerie echoes of jackals and the sound of silence, Some nights might be spent on field research – night drives or hikes to observe or count game or “sit-outs” to study the behaviour of a specific animal.(Non-intrusive research) Weather permitting of course. A minimum of two nights a week will be spent on preparing lectures on conservation, resource management, recycling or visual or performing arts classes. Volunteers may visit Greytown once a week if they need to do shopping, go on the internet, have a restaurant meal or have the need to see human faces….This however, is not set in stone and will depend upon the specific project they’re involved in as well as weather conditions and our local roads! Volunteers may get the opportunity to visit or stay over at APES monkey sanctuary. Visit some local tourist attractions in the area as well surrounding towns and some of our local rural areas. This will depend on each volunteer’s individual field of interest, enthusiasm and the running and maintenance of the project. Part of their stay includes a 3-day hike on the Blinkwater Hiking Trail and sleeping over at 2 different overnight huts in the area. A visit to the neighbouring adventure farm, Bhekezela, or L’Abri Wilderness School, can also be arranged at the volunteer’s own expense. For more information on local tourist attractions or activities, please e-mail Elise at toorbos@umvoti.co.za.
project of £610 per volunteer for a period of 4 weeks. This includes full board, lodgings and laundry LOCAL VOLUNTEERS ![]() BOOKINGS
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APES Chatter Working Volunteers & Eco-Tourists Umpalazi Community & Wildlife Project “THE HAMPTONS WILDLIFE CARE CENTRE” For More Information Please Contact Us At Apes
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Apes,
2001 last updated October 28, 2004
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