Karkloof Conservation & Tourism - Introduction to the Karkloof Conservation Centre

Introduction to the Karkloof Conservation Centre

BACKGROUND

The Karkloof Conservancy, made up of local landowners interested in the protection of biodiversity in the Karkloof, have actively been involved in a number of community projects in the area for the past 11years. Projects include annual game counts, bird counts, alien weed control, regular meetings with guest speakers, land care programmes and meaningful environmental education in local farm schools. The Conservancy has also worked closely with local conservation organisations like the Endangered Wildlife Trust, Enviro Watch and the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa.

Members of the Karkloof Conservancy saw the need for more meaningful public environmental awareness, education and eco tourism. So after having operated from a limited budget (consisting of subscription fees) for many years, the Karkloof Conservancy managed to fundraise money from The Wildlands Conservation Trust and built a conservation, tourism information and education centre in 2007. The centre was officially opened on the 26th of October 2007.

INTRODUCTION

The Karkloof Conservation and Tourism Centre is a unique and exciting joint venture between the Karkloof Conservancy, The Wildlands Trust, SAPPI, Birdlife SA and the Southern KZN Birding Route. This Centre is run by members of the local community, represented by the Karkloof Conservancy.

In true community spirit Charlie McGillvray and his family have kindly opened up part of their farm, Gartmore, to nature lovers by offering to house the office headquarters and a bird hide on their property. The second bird hide nearby is located on Stuart Mackenzie's farm, Loskop. The Tourism and Conservation Office is based at the entrance of Gartmore Farm, 15km along the Karkloof road, just outside of Howick.

The area is rich in biodiversity and has much to offer. All three Crane species, and many other interesting birds visit wetlands and dams near the bird hides, on a regular basis. There is also a range of special grassland plant species, a few antelope and abundant frog and insect life. Two bird guides have been trained to take clients on guided walks and bird watching. They are being trained in ecology part of their responsibility is to visit local farm schools and present meaningful interactive lessons, about pertinent environmental issues.

The public can now enjoy the true splendour of the Karkloof wetlands, grasslands and forests by going for a guided walk or by enjoying it from a comfortable seat in a beautiful bird hide where one really feels part of the natural surroundings.This project is an exemplary example of how high tech agriculture, conservation and tourism can coexist harmoniously without disturbing ecology.

The centre is open every day of the week from 7:45 to 16:30. An entrance fee of R20 per adult, R10 per child (children under five free) is charged to make sure the centre becomes financially sustainable. The hides can also be booked out for functions.

A golf cart was kindly donated by Afgri, which make the hides accessible to everyone.

KARKLOOF CONSERVATION CENTRE VISION

To promote:- meaningful environmental education and action (in local schools and to the public), conservation, environmental awareness and to share passion for our natural environment- responsible land use management, support a variety of land care and conservation initiatives in the area - build good relationships and community spirit within the Karkloof- act as an environmental "watch dog" - open up the Karkloof to the public, show case an excellent example of how good agricultural practices, ecology and tourism can operate together harmoniously without disturbing nature - inspire other land users to become proud, responsible stewards - provide a comfortable place for visitors to enjoy nature quietly- house information on plant and animal species, accommodation and activities in the area - promote local business and eco/avi/agri tourism and to link up with other birding sites along the Southern KZN Birding Route- to become a first class birder friendly establishment- create local jobs through tourism- to be holistic in its approach to education, environment, tourism and agriculture.

DESCRIPTION AND NATURE OF THE BUSINESS

The Karkloof Conservation Centre is essentially a birding destination. Although birding is the main focus there are many other attractions. Visitors come for guided walks in nature, take photos, have a quiet picnic or simply sit and draw or write. Learners use the centre for wetland, water, frog, insect and grassland studies. The hides can also be booked out for private functions. The hides are built to fit 10 adults at a time; they are set up with specially designed shelves so that photographers may get the best shots. The office serves as an information house where visitors can find out about local fauna and flora, places to stay and things to do. There is also a small shop, loos and a picnic area.

In the future we hope to broaden the experience by offering walks up Loskop mountain, walks through the mistbelt forests, holiday activities for children and families, night walks, celebrate special days, show case conservation organisations, sustainable agriculture and encourage public participation in caring for the earth through practical activities.




	1: Home 2: The Karkloof 2.1: Karkloof History 2.2: Accommodation 2.3: What to do in the Karkloof 2.4: Karkloof Falls 3: The Karkloof Conservancy 3.1: About Us 3.2: Vision and Mission Statement 3.3: Projects 3.4: Conservation Committee 4: Conservation Centre 4.1: Initiative 5: Farming Practices 5.1: No-Till Farming 5.2: Biodiversity/Agriculture 5.3: Biological Fly Control 5.4: Oribi Custodians 5.5: Crane Custodians 5.6: Biodiversity Stewardship Programme 5.7: Predators and Farmers 6: Farm Schools Project 6.1: 2008 6.2: 2011 7: Birding 7.1: Karkloof Sightings 7.2: Birdlist (PDF) 7.3: Photograph Archive 7.4: Bird Ringing 8: Cranes 8.1: Grey Crowned Cranes 8.2: Wattled Cranes 8.3: Blue Cranes 8.4: Wattled Crane Recovery Programme 8.5: KwaZulu-Natal Crane Foundation 8.6: Crane Ringing 9: Environmental Education 9.2: WESSA Share-Net 9.3: Eco-Schools 9.4: Nature Ways DVD 10: Conservation Issues 10.1: Alien Plants 10.2: Mallard Ducks 11: Upcoming Events 12: Useful Links 13: Contact Us	Introduction to the Karkloof Conservation Centre BACKGROUND The Karkloof Conservancy, made up of local landowners interested in the protection of biodiversity in the Karkloof, have actively been involved in a number of community projects in the area for the past 11years. Projects include annual game counts, bird counts, alien weed control, regular meetings with guest speakers, land care programmes and meaningful environmental education in local farm schools. The Conservancy has also worked closely with local conservation organisations like the Endangered Wildlife Trust, Enviro Watch and the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa. Members of the Karkloof Conservancy saw the need for more meaningful public environmental awareness, education and eco tourism. So after having operated from a limited budget (consisting of subscription fees) for many years, the Karkloof Conservancy managed to fundraise money from The Wildlands Conservation Trust and built a conservation, tourism information and education centre in 2007. The centre was officially opened on the 26th of October 2007. INTRODUCTION The Karkloof Conservation and Tourism Centre is a unique and exciting joint venture between the Karkloof Conservancy, The Wildlands Trust, SAPPI, Birdlife SA and the Southern KZN Birding Route. This Centre is run by members of the local community, represented by the Karkloof Conservancy. In true community spirit Charlie McGillvray and his family have kindly opened up part of their farm, Gartmore, to nature lovers by offering to house the office headquarters and a bird hide on their property. The second bird hide nearby is located on Stuart Mackenzie's farm, Loskop. The Tourism and Conservation Office is based at the entrance of Gartmore Farm, 15km along the Karkloof road, just outside of Howick. The area is rich in biodiversity and has much to offer. All three Crane species, and many other interesting birds visit wetlands and dams near the bird hides, on a regular basis. There is also a range of special grassland plant species, a few antelope and abundant frog and insect life. Two bird guides have been trained to take clients on guided walks and bird watching. They are being trained in ecology part of their responsibility is to visit local farm schools and present meaningful interactive lessons, about pertinent environmental issues. The public can now enjoy the true splendour of the Karkloof wetlands, grasslands and forests by going for a guided walk or by enjoying it from a comfortable seat in a beautiful bird hide where one really feels part of the natural surroundings.This project is an exemplary example of how high tech agriculture, conservation and tourism can coexist harmoniously without disturbing ecology. The centre is open every day of the week from 7:45 to 16:30. An entrance fee of R20 per adult, R10 per child (children under five free) is charged to make sure the centre becomes financially sustainable. The hides can also be booked out for functions. A golf cart was kindly donated by Afgri, which make the hides accessible to everyone. KARKLOOF CONSERVATION CENTRE VISION To promote:- meaningful environmental education and action (in local schools and to the public), conservation, environmental awareness and to share passion for our natural environment- responsible land use management, support a variety of land care and conservation initiatives in the area - build good relationships and community spirit within the Karkloof- act as an environmental "watch dog" - open up the Karkloof to the public, show case an excellent example of how good agricultural practices, ecology and tourism can operate together harmoniously without disturbing nature - inspire other land users to become proud, responsible stewards - provide a comfortable place for visitors to enjoy nature quietly- house information on plant and animal species, accommodation and activities in the area - promote local business and eco/avi/agri tourism and to link up with other birding sites along the Southern KZN Birding Route- to become a first class birder friendly establishment- create local jobs through tourism- to be holistic in its approach to education, environment, tourism and agriculture. DESCRIPTION AND NATURE OF THE BUSINESS The Karkloof Conservation Centre is essentially a birding destination. Although birding is the main focus there are many other attractions. Visitors come for guided walks in nature, take photos, have a quiet picnic or simply sit and draw or write. Learners use the centre for wetland, water, frog, insect and grassland studies. The hides can also be booked out for private functions. The hides are built to fit 10 adults at a time; they are set up with specially designed shelves so that photographers may get the best shots. The office serves as an information house where visitors can find out about local fauna and flora, places to stay and things to do. There is also a small shop, loos and a picnic area. In the future we hope to broaden the experience by offering walks up Loskop mountain, walks through the mistbelt forests, holiday activities for children and families, night walks, celebrate special days, show case conservation organisations, sustainable agriculture and encourage public participation in caring for the earth through practical activities.