Where the wild figs grow

Members of the Baviaanskloof Nature Awareness Group came together again last weekend. Under the shade of Sewefontein’s serene wild fig tree forest, a couple of group members met to discuss preferences and priorities for future training and local nature awareness activities.

Sadly, the gathering had a bit of sombre mood due to a recent and tragic death in a nearby community, and some Group members were therefore understandably unable to attend. But for those who could make it, the meeting proved positive, fruitful – and lifted spirits somewhat.

The Group, which had received micro-grant funding from the Table Mountain Fund earlier this year, has enlisted the mentorship of experienced wilderness guide Bruce Dell. In this role, Bruce has generously agreed to share his time and knowledge to provide relevant skills and training in the context of the Baviaanskloof Nature Awareness Groups’ current priorities – primarily tourism guiding and youth environmental education. In the coming months, the group will head out into the bush with Bruce a couple of times to immerse themselves in nature connection and learning.

The occasion was also a perfect chance to present the Group with a number of fantastic field guides which Bruce had sourced. In addition, Matt was grateful to be able to gift the group a pre-loved laptop computer generously donated by friend Marion Attal. The laptop means the Group now has a place to store the field pictures which they have been accumulating with their previously donated digital camera as well as providing an accessible storage point for all the photos and videos taken during the Group’s previous outings together over the past 14 months.

Small steps…but steps forward nevertheless.

The continued support of the emerging Baviaanskloof Nature Awareness Group is a primary outreach component of Matthew Zylstra’s transdisciplinary doctoral research on meaningful nature experience and its implications for education.