about us

Founding

Wolwekraal Nature Reserve was established in 2005  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 2005  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.

In Loving Memory  of Richard Dean (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

WCRO is a registered Non-Profit Organisation and complies with the requirements of the Department of Social Development, South African Revenue Service, and other legislation relating to NPOs.  Click on the links below
WCRO is a registered Non-Profit Organisation and complies with the requirements of the Department of Social Development, South African Revenue Service, and other legislation relating to NPOs.  Click on the links below

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
Malcolm Searle (Chair)

 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
Hugh Forsyth (Vice Chair)

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
Theresa van der Westhuizen (Cape Nature Representative)
Bertus Fourie
Bertus Fourie (Reserve manager)
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. 

David Rissik
David Rissik (Security)

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.

Ken Coetzee
Ken Coetzee (additional member)

Is a practical field ecologist who is passionate about veld rehabilitation and the restoration of damaged rangelands in Africa. He has a good working knowledge of Karoo ecology acquired during 25 years with CapeNature and 27 years running his own consulting business “Conservation Management Services”.

Sue Milton-
Dean
Sue Milton-Dean (Secretary/Treasurer)

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

We collaborate with many other organisations including Universities that conduct ecological research, businesses involved in ecological restoration, NPOs focused on environmental and social issues, such as Prince Albert Community Trust that are working towards a socially sustainable future, and other government and non-government organisations engaged in conservation, education and research.
We collaborate with many other organisations including Universities that conduct ecological research, businesses involved in ecological restoration, NPOs focused on environmental and social issues, such as Prince Albert Community Trust that are working towards a socially sustainable future, and other government and non-government organisations engaged in conservation, education and research.
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