The volunteer programme consists predominantly of environmental conservation work, with some seasonal variations. Volunteers are expected to work 7 hours per (week) day. A schedule is distributed at the beginning of each month to all participants.
We endeavour to work to the schedule, unless urgent issues arise.
Environmental conservation
Out on our reserve, nothing stands between you and the wildlife. Many species of plains game will gaze quietly as you go about your work.
Maintaining a reserve in optimum condition requires constant vigilance.
In addition to ensuring a pristine habitat for the wildlife, you will be preserving Bankenveld - a type of vegetation that is increasingly threatened by agriculture, mining and urban development.
Work involved: exotic plant management (mostly summer) ¤ soil erosion control ¤ bush encroachment management ¤ fence inspections and maintenance ¤ building fences ¤ veld condition assessments ¤ water and soil testing ¤ fire hazard management / block burning (winter only).
Wildlife conservation
Unfortunately, there are no 'hands-on' wildlife conservation activities; the work is report-based. Good game management practices are vital to the long-term viability of any reserve.
You will learn many of the principles involved, and take part in surveys and reporting.
Work involved: game counts and assessment (including condition, and sex and age ratios) ¤ capacity planning ¤ anti-poaching activities ¤ bird field studies (spring / summer only) ¤ reporting ¤ collecting, transporting and distributing meat donations (for vulture community).
Learning programme
Aside from providing practical training, Klipkop runs a number of education workshops to ensure volunteers have a basic understanding of the conservation issues being addressed.
Workshops: introduction to conservation ¤ exotic plant management ¤ soil erosion ¤ veld management ¤ game management.
Occasionally there are special projects.
