Friends of Bisley Nature Reserve

Over the years the upkeep of the reserve has been seen as a low priority by the Municipality and the property has fallen into disrepair. In response to incidents of poaching and animal malnutrition (partly due to drought), the Friends of Bisley Nature Reserve (FoBNR) was formed by concerned citizens. The FoBNR took a closer look at the reserve and found that everything from boundary fences, trails and picnic sites, as well as an education centre, had fallen into a state of disrepair.

The reserve also has too many animals, particularly giraffe. In winter there is insufficient food for them. Feeding platforms have been built with sponsor donations.

Poaching has become a problem, with snares regularly set to catch the wildlife and hunting with dog packs continues. Specialist game vets are frequently called out to dart and treat animals caught in snares. While they offer their services free of charge, the cost of materials and drugs used has to be found from sponsors.

 Frequent snare patrols are conducted in the reserve in order to find and remove as many snares as possible before animals are caught.

Interest in the reserve has grown enormously since FoBNR have made increased access possible. Bird groups, walkers, runners and cyclists once again use the reserve on a regular basis.

The Field Guides team under the leadership of Blythe Watson and strongly supported by several committee and general members have lent their wealth of experience in either education or conservation lore to school groups to ensure a well-rounded excursion which includes laughs along with learning. The focus is for children and young people to have an outdoor experience which does not feel like a class but still inspires enough interest and enthusiasm that what they learn and see can garner further discussion and opportunity to learn after the event, and hopefully grow a future generation of conservationists.