animal protection & environmental sanctuary

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.

It provides the unique destination for local schools and youth groups exposing them to nature, by getting them involved in conservation efforts by helping to clean up the environment. It provides picturesque hiking opportunities, exposure to an abundance of wildlife and birdlife. It is an extraordinary venue for creative people that want the opportunity to do visual arts in a natural environment.
Those who enjoy a challenge working with the rural people, assisting at schools teaching the importance of the environment etc all part and parcel of what we do at B.E.W.

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 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
            The main goal of B.E.W. assisted by volunteers is to clean up the Conservancy by removing snares and litter, operating as an anti-poaching unit, eliminating invasive plant species, building a data base in regard to the flora and fauna by keeping track and count of our wildlife and birdlife in the Conservancy.

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
We have a variety of community projects these include rabies vaccinations done at our local communities, providing medication to our local people, who can not always afford to visit doctors or hospitals. The HIV statistics in our area are very high and many children have lost parents and family members to this horrific disease, many of the children are HIV positive too.
 Exposing them to volunteers from other countries broadens their world and brings them hope, as many  of these children have never been out of this area, and have a hard life, most of them do not have access to running water or electricity at home or at school. We want to nurture respect for animals, their environment and conservation in these children by developing respect for other living beings we can create love and hope. The conservation of our planet lies in the hands of our youth and in what we teach them.

4. Domestic chores:
These include cleaning of  the volunteer’s quarters; including whatever other domestic chores, cleaning enclosures, preparing both human and animal food (feeding, medical treatment of animals when necessary, preparing herbal medicines, providing the correct animal husbandry and stimulation for animals in enclosures, maintenance  gardening  etc. The only domestic chores that follow a strict routine are preparing food and feeding and caring for animals and people! There are no set routines for domestic chores and we do what needs to be done when it is necessary or when we have time – the  caring  and conservation of our  wildlife and environment remains our top priority!

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.
It provides the unique destination for local schools and youth groups exposing them to nature, by getting them involved in conservation efforts by helping to clean up the environment. It provides picturesque hiking opportunities, exposure to an abundance of wildlife and birdlife. It is an extraordinary venue for creative people that want the opportunity to do visual arts in a natural environment.

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.

 
VOLUNTEERS
Due to training in the related fields of this project and the nature of this project, volunteers are required to stay for a minimum period of 4 weeks.. A donation to the

project of £610 per volunteer for a period of 4 weeks. This includes full board, lodgings and laundry
Volunteers who want to stay for a shorter period of time will be required to make a donation of £195 per week per volunteer. Includes accommodation meals and laundry
 Volunteers will be collected from and returned to either Mooiriver or Pietermaritzburg Couch Terminal by a member of B.E.W.

LOCAL VOLUNTEERS
Local volunteers are  most welcome.
Local youth groups and schools are invited to come and join forces in the battle against alien invasive plant species and the removal of snares and rubbish and go on picturesque hikes. If you are an expert in a related conservation or resource management field or wildlife, indigenous plant-/tree species, insects, etc. and if anyone has a constructive message for our local youth or would like to visit we would like to hear from you. Please e-mail Elise at toorbos@umvoti.co.za for more information

BOOKINGS
For more information on the projects and activities, please contact Elise per e-mail at toorbos@umvoti.co.za;
Dawn (APES) per e-mail at apescentre@gmail.com or by cellphone at 072 306 5664 or landline at (033) 413 2219