The Nature College

Wild Life Training (PTY) Ltd

Company Reg : 2004/017187/07

Directors: J Fourie, JC Fourie, K Lubbe (Executive), JJ Minye & J Odendaal (Non-Executive)

THE NATURE COLLEGE PROFILE

Training Provider

The Nature College is a CATHSSETA and SASSETA accredited training provider for Field Guides and Game Rangers. Our Field Guide training is based on the publications An Introduction to Nature Guiding and Advanced Nature Guiding and is complemented by a variety of expert lecturers.

We have been training Field Guides in the National Parks and surrounding communities since 1993. This is complemented by our Field Ranger Training Programme, where we draw on the expertise of a variety of specialists, and experience gained in the South African National Parks and other wildlife organisations since 1993. 

The Nature College also acts as consultant to lodges, nature reserves and other property owners. We assist them in developing quality eco-experiences for their guests, thus enhancing their marketability and green profile. We have successfully developed self-guided hiking trails, information centres, audio resources and integrated management plans for natural resources.

Special Interest Operator

The Nature College operates as a special interest operator providing natural science and specialised nature experiences. Our specialised wilderness experiences focus on special scientific interests (e.g. geology, desert ecology, fynbos, birds etc.), where we use the services of expert field guides. For our specialised nature experiences we use highly qualified and specialised field guides, complemented by the indigenous skills of local experts.

We are at our best when we put together a specialised ecology programme for an individual or for a group of people with special needs or interests.   A special application of this concept is our African Ecology Tours for universities.

Interpretive Resources

The Nature College specialises in the production of interpretive resources that will enhance the experience of people in nature. Our publications increase knowledge and understanding of nature and provides readers with a framework for ethical conduct in Nature.  We have already published An Introduction to Nature Guiding, Advanced Nature Guiding, The Nature Guide and Animal Alert! you and the big ones.  These are resources widely used by for Field Guides and nature lovers alike.  

Similarly interpretive brochures have been developed and published for clients such as for Rein's Coastal Reserve and the Namib Rest Camp.

Personnel Placements

The Nature College provides downstream support to learners with the placement of Nature Guides, Wildlife Management and Hospitality Personnel on game lodges.  The main focus is to provide job opportunities to learners graduating from training programmes of The Nature College. This service has been expanded to other candidates with suitable CV's.

Tourism

The Tourism function of The Nature College has now been delegated to the Aardvark Nature Reserve.  Follow this link to visit the web site of the Aardvark Nature Reserve.

Natural Solutions

Natural Solutions is an associate, running the Cape Town based Mons Mensa campus of The Nature College.  Ed Hill  (Level 4 Nature Guide and a ETDP assessor) is in charge of Natural Solutions.  His experience includes field guiding in various regions of Southern Africa.  He has been an honorary ranger with SA National Parks since 1994 and has held the posts of chairman of iKapa Honorary Rangers and vice chairman of FGASA (Western Cape).