Field Courses

 

Working in Nature for Nature

Berrybush offers educational opportunities from school to University levels, and packages can be tailored to the needs of each group. The Universities of Leeds and Manchester (UK) are regular visitors to the centre, and have permanent study sites near the farm. In additional to the educational facilities, students can enjoy a range of recreational facilities. Berrybush is far enough from town to ensure students remain on site.

 

 

Teaching Facilities

Student dormitory accommodation can be converted quickly and easily into teaching space with desks and chairs on a daily basis. An overhead projector and screen are available (by arrangement).

There is a comprehensive library, encompassing most aspects of environmental study in the Kalahari. Keith and Jill also have 25 years experience and study of the desert wildlife and plants, and are very happy to share this knowledge.

 

 

Facilities for Schools/ Youth Groups

The following short courses area available:

·         Bird, tree and animal identification

·         Survival skills

·         Appreciation of nature and the Kalahari environment

·         Elementary star identification

·         Basic tracking

·         Basic bush cooking (including local edible plants)

·         First aid

 

The following team building activities are available:

·         Drumming workshop

·         Team games and competitions

 

Research Facilities for University Students

Study sites are available throughout the farm and surrounding areas. There are sufficient vehicles to transport students to sites every day (for fuel costs only).

Berrybush is situated in the Kalahari sandveld, an area of semi-arid savanna receiving an average 300 mm rainfall a year. Berrybush is a rainfall gauging station for the Botswana Meteorological Department and has records for the last 10 years. There are opportunities to study all aspects of this ecosystem. Research topics include: soil crust formation; impact of grazing on plant diversity and biomass; medicinal plants; grazing-induced bush encroachment; impact of bush encroachment on microclimate and sub-canopy flora; bird-life; and insects (e.g. ant-plant associations, dung-beetles). Materials are available to make exclosures to study long-term ecological recovery after grazing.

Given the low species diversity in deserts compared with many other ecosystems, species identification is relatively unproblematic. However, books and expert advice on plant identification and animal behavior are available from Keith and Jill. 1 m2 quadrats (with sub-divisions) and plant presses are available.

If required, access to internet and email can be installed. This would need to be arranged well in advance, and costs would be recovered by charging for internet time.

See http://www.susieg.com/ for some photos taken by students working at Berrybush.

                                                         

Health and Safety   

Keith is a professional guide and is available to accompany the students, should it be deemed necessary.

Jill is a qualified nursing sister and would be on call for any minor illnesses, the Primary Hospital at Tsabong (10 minutes) is fairly good and Kuruman in South Africa is two hours away by road, should anything serious occur. There is no malaria in the district.

In Botswana, possession of canabis is a criminal offence, carrying a sentence of 7 years imprisonment.

 

For recreational facilities see Berrybush

 

Optional Trip to Kgalagadi Transfrontier National Park (KTNP)

A recreational two-day guided tour of the Mabuasehube section of the KTNP can be arranged at the end of the study period. The trip is provided at cost price, to cover fuel and park fees (provision of tents and use of vehicles is free of charge). Toilets and showers are available at park camping sites.

The park is a pristine wilderness that supports all the desert species, including the famous black-maned Kalahari lion. Keith, who would guide the group, is an expert in the adaptation of the animals to desert conditions.

Those not wishing to go on the trip may stay at Berrybush.

 

Costs

Students

Full board, dormitory accommodation (per day)         P60

Staff

Full board, en-suite accommodation (p. day, sharing) P100

Optional Two-day Trip to KTNP (per person)             P200

Teaching Facilities                                                   Free

Limited transport                                                     Free

 

All prices in Pula, for 2003 and include VAT.

 

Soft drinks, alcohol, telephone calls and fuel are extra.

 

  

 

 

© Berrybush 2004