about us
Founding
Wolwekraal Nature Reserve was established in 2005Â by ecologists Dr WRJ (Richard) Dean and Sue Milton-Dean to conserve, raise
awareness and generate knowledge of
biodiversity near
Prince Albert in the Karoo.
Wolwekraal Nature Reserve was established in 2005Â by ecologists Dr WRJ (Richard) Dean and Sue Milton-Dean to conserve, raise awareness and generate knowledge of biodiversity near
Prince Albert in the Karoo.
Read this special issued by OSTRICH ” a compilation of articles in memory of W Richard J Dean, who died at his home in Prince Albert, South Africa, shortly before his 82nd
birthday on 3 August 2022.”
In Loving Memory of Richard DeanÂ
(1940 -2022)
Read this special issued by OSTRICH ” a compilation of articles in memory of W Richard J Dean, who died at his home in Prince Albert, South Africa, shortly before his 82nd birthday on 3 August 2022.”
Vision
Wolwekraal Conservation and Research Organisation (WCRO) is a non-profit organisation based in Prince Albert in the Western Cape of South Africa. Our vision is to contribute to the conservation of habitat, fauna and flora in perpetuity on Wolwekraal Nature Reserve, to raise awareness of conservation and environmental issues, provide training and encourage research on ecological restoration and Karoo biodiversity in the Prince Albert Municipal area and beyond. Click below to view our constitution.
Compliance
Management
WCRO has 7 Exco members and 30 ordinary members. The Exco members ensure that the management of Wolwekraal Nature Reserve conforms with the goals and objectives of the CapeNature audited Management Plan, that funds are generated to support the activities of the NPO and that expenditure of funding is in line with the vision and constitution of WCRO.
WCRO has 7 Exco members and 30 ordinary members. The Exco members ensure that the management of Wolwekraal Nature Reserve conforms with the goals and objectives of the CapeNature audited Management Plan, that funds are generated to support the activities of the NPO and that expenditure of funding is in line with the vision and constitution of WCRO.
Malcolm Searle
 After 30 years of working for listed Corporate companies as a business director, Malcolm can apply strategic planning & financial acumen experience to ensure the sustainability of WCRO. As a resident Prince Albert gardener as well as an enthusiastic nature lover he feels that he can offer hands-on operational assistance.
Hugh Forsyth
Grew up on a farm in the Cape where there was a large vlei teeming with water birds and fish surrounded by open fields where small mammals and stately Secretary Birds thrived. The wonders and delights of nature were ingrained in him from the start and he was born on St. Patrick’s Day. For these reasons, he is devoted to the green and the preserving thereof.
Theresa van der Westhuizen
Malcolm Searle
 After 30 years of working for listed Corporate companies as a business director, Malcolm can apply strategic planning & financial acumen experience to ensure the sustainability of WCRO. As a resident Prince Albert gardener as well as an enthusiastic nature lover he feels that he can offer hands-on operational assistance.
Hugh Forsyth
Grew up on a farm in the Cape where there was a large vlei teeming with water birds and fish surrounded by open fields where small mammals and stately Secretary Birds thrived. The wonders and delights of nature were ingrained in him from the start and he was born on St. Patrick’s Day. For these reasons, he is devoted to the green and the preserving thereof.
Theresa van der Westhuizen
Collette Hurt
Collette Hurt is an artist who is passionate about nature. She is currently studying to become a nature guide, and hopes to contribute a creative interpretation to the ecology and conservation in the Prince Albert area, especially in her involvement with WCRO.
David Rissik
Is a lifelong conservationist, passionate about holistically securing threatened conservation areas – striving to allow Africa’s biodiversity to survive. He has many years of practical experience in successfully bridging the gap between science, western conservation ideals and Africa’s reality.
Bertus Fourie
Is passionate about karoo flora and conservation. By combining horticulture and conservation ideals and rehabilitation methods he hopes to make a positive contribution towards plant conservation through helping others appreciate their local fauna and flora and encouraging responsible and ecologically friendly land management at all scales from ranches to gardens.Â
Collette Hurt
Collette Hurt is an artist who is passionate about nature. She is currently studying to become a nature guide, and hopes to contribute a creative interpretation to the ecology and conservation in the Prince Albert area, especially in her involvement with WCRO.
David Rissik
Is a lifelong conservationist, passionate about holistically securing threatened conservation areas – striving to allow Africa’s biodiversity to survive. He has many years of practical experience in successfully bridging the gap between science, western conservation ideals and Africa’s reality.
Bertus Fourie
Is passionate about karoo flora and conservation. By combining horticulture and conservation ideals and rehabilitation methods he hopes to make a positive contribution towards plant conservation through helping others appreciate their local fauna and flora and encouraging responsible and ecologically friendly land management at all scales from ranches to gardens.Â
Willem Matthee
Is a lecturer in conservation ecology at the Nelson Mandela University, merging his passions for conservation and education. He has a particular interest in invertebrate and bird ecology, the impacts of habitat fragmentation on biodiversity, and the
restoration of those fragmented landscapes.
Sue Milton-Dean
Is a plant ecologist and conservationist who has spent many years researching Karoo plants and animals with her husband Richard Dean. By sharing knowledge and excitement with interns, visitors and the local community she hopes to contribute to conservation and better management of Karoo ecosystems.
Willem Matthee
Is a lecturer in conservation ecology at the Nelson Mandela University, merging his passions for conservation and education. He has a particular interest in invertebrate and bird ecology, the impacts of habitat fragmentation on biodiversity, and the
restoration of those fragmented landscapes.
Sue Milton-Dean
Is a plant ecologist and conservationist who has spent many years researching Karoo plants and animals with her husband Richard Dean. By sharing knowledge and excitement with interns, visitors and the local community she hopes to contribute to conservation and better management of Karoo ecosystems.
Major Partners
Major Partners
Gouritz Cluster Biosphere Reserve (GCBR): Wolwekraal Nature Reserve falls within the GCBR and we share their vision of people living in harmony with nature and earning their income through sustainable uses of natural resources. GCBR has funded a number of our conservation and research activities.
Gouritz Cluster Biosphere Reserve (GCBR): Wolwekraal Nature Reserve falls within the GCBR and we share their vision of people living in harmony with nature and earning their income through sustainable uses of natural resources. GCBR has funded a number of our conservation and research activities.
The South African Environmental Observation Network is a government research organisation with whom WCRO collaborates through mentoring of students and sharing of data. There is a SAEON weather station on Wolwekraal.
The South African Environmental Observation Network is a government research organisation with whom WCRO collaborates through mentoring of students and sharing of data. There is a SAEON weather station on Wolwekraal.
Nelson Mandela University visits Wolwekraal Nature Reserve with student groups and over the years WCRO has hosted many 3rd year Nature Conservation students for their work experience year.
Nelson Mandela University visits Wolwekraal Nature Reserve with student groups and over the years WCRO has hosted many 3rd year Nature Conservation students for their work experience year.
Renu-Karoo Veld Restoration cc is a plant nursery specialising in Karoo plants and seeds, and in promoting sustainable gardens and restoration. It is located on the southern end of the Nature Reserve.
Renu-Karoo Veld Restoration cc is a plant nursery specialising in Karoo plants and seeds, and in promoting sustainable gardens and restoration. It is located on the southern end of the Nature Reserve.
Cape Nature: Wolwekraal Nature Reserve, although privately owned, is a Cape Nature stewardship site, and we rely on Cape Nature for auditing our management plan. A CapeNature representative serves on our Exco.
Cape Nature: Wolwekraal Nature Reserve, although privately owned, is a Cape Nature stewardship site, and we rely on Cape Nature for auditing our management plan. A CapeNature representative serves on our Exco.
Other Partners
