The 2020 MSc CB class finally get in to the field again

The CB class finally got back into the field together after learning remotely since mid-March. They went on a 5-day trip to the Grootbos Environmental Centre in the heart of a thriving conservancy. In addition to learning about the amazing conservation and community work conducted by the Grootbos Foundation, and how this is funded, they had the opportunity to explore the wide range of habitats in the area, ranging from sandstone and limestone fynbos to milkwood and Afro-montane forest. Their main task was to devise research project ideas to help improve long-term management of the area. In addition, Robert Thomson introduced the students to the joys of bird ringing, they conducted a beach litter survey at the Walker Bay Nature Reserve, managed by Cape Nature, and visited the Dyer Island Conservation trust, where they learned about the seabird rehabilitation project and a pilot project to intercept street litter in storm-water drains in Gansbaai. En route home, they visited Stony Point, the only colony of African Penguins that is currently increasing, and heard first-hand from the Cape Nature staff there about the challenges of managing a mainland seabird colony in a residential area. We are extremely grateful to everyone who assisted with the field trip, especially Paula Strauss from Grootbos for co-ordinating our visit.