Klipriviersberg greets a guide
The KNRA is looking for volunteers to help at the reserve. If you are interested to join contact KNRA either by email secretary@klipriviersberg.org.za or WhatsApp the KNRA: 076 320 6151.
“I will miss being in the bush and teaching people things.”
On January 23, Tony Weedon did his last guided tour of the Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve, ending his 15-year career as a guide.
Weedon started as a guide in the Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve in 2006 after he completed his field guide course at Bush Training Adventure (BTA).
Weedon has done a total of 52 guided walks, amounting to the total time spent of 170 hours and a total of 615 guests.
“I started my field guide course as a hobby and because of my love for the bushveld. After completing my course, I once visited the Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve and saw a sign for the Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve Association (KNRA) and made contact with the head of the organisation and offered my services to KNRA free of charge. It was important for me to share my knowledge with the public to help teach the next generation of the importance of conservation,” said Weedon.
“This reserve is special to me as it’s not too far out of Johannesburg, making it ideal for people wanting to experience the peace and quiet that the bushveld has to offer. The reserve also has various species of antelope, as well as a few small cat species like the carvel, civet and genet.”
Nature’s gem
“Every tour I gave was a special one because I always knew I taught someone something new. The things I’ll miss are being in the bush and teaching people about the bushveld, as well as creating awareness around conservation.”
The Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve is situated on 680ha of land located in the south of Johannesburg and has 215 different species of birds, 75 different grass species and 320 different flower species.
All the fauna and flora are local and the reserve has also gotten rid of any invasive species in the past to help keep the reserve ‘pure’.
The Bloubos River also flows through the reserve before it joins the Klip River close to Eikenhoff.
The reserve offers 12 different routes, ranging from a short route for beginners just wanting to relax in nature to longer routes for the hiker that wants to have some challenges.
The KNRA is looking for volunteers to help at the reserve. If you are interested to join contact KNRA either by email at secretary@klipriviersberg.org.za or WhatsApp the KNRA: 076 320 6151.
