The Nature College

Publishing

An Introduction to Nature Guiding (5th Edition) was developed as a resource for people wanting to obtain the Introductory and Intermediate (equivalent of FGASA Level 1 and Level 2) Field Guide qualifications. The book is based on the Intermediate syllabus, and therefore more than adequately covers the requirements for the Introductory Level.   It is also a very useful resource in preparing for the Intermediate level.

It also offers an excellent overview of SA geology, developed by Dr Izak Rust. For the first time it makes geology as a subject accessible to the novice - subject material is offered in interesting style and the language is easy to read.

The authors Johan Fourie was a founder member of FGASA with its inception in 1991. He worked for the South African National Parks for 20 years, and resigned as Manager of Wildlife Management. He currently is the Managing Director of The Nature College.  He is a National Nature Guide (Dangerous Game) NQF Level 4 and has extensive experience in guiding and Field Guide training.  The Nature College is an accredited THETA training provider.

Izak Rust retired as professor of geology from the University of Port Elizabeth . He has been a teacher of geology for 35 years at Stellenbosch and Port Elizabeth. His special interest is in sedimentology, coastal processes and landscape evolution. Izak travelled the world - from Antarctica to the Namib Desert, Bay of Fundy to the Amazon Basin; Mississippi Delta to Japan; Australia, New Zealand and Hawaii.

 Price - R154 VAT & postage included

The Nature Guide (1st Edition) was developed as a study aid for Field Guides studying FGASA Levels 1, 2 and 3.  It draws heavily on the practical experience of Johan Fourie, experience accumulated over a period of 20 years operating as a Field Guide in National Parks and other natural areas in southern Africa .  The book combines the publications An Introduction to Nature Guiding and Advanced Nature Guiding.  It has been comprehensively rewritten to comply with the requirements in the latest FGASA Level 3 syllabus, and draws extensively on the experience of the author.  Subjects such as cultural heritage, bush skills, communication and conflict management add considerable depth to the knowledge and expertise of Field Guides.

The interesting field of palaeontology is included, placing the South African fossil record in perspective.  Students are expertly guided through the subject of geology, while being taught how to use a geological map effectively.

The authors Johan Fourie is a founder member of FGASA with its inception in 1991. He has 20 years of wildlife management experience with the South African National Parks, resigned as Manager of Wildlife Management.  He currently is the Managing Director of The Nature College.  He is a Level 3 SKS (Dangerous Game) Field Guide and has extensive experience in guiding and Field Guide training.

Dr John Almond is a British palaeontologist with a particular interest in South African geology, fossils and natural history.  He obtained his Honours Degree in Natural Sciences (Zoology) and his Doctorate in Palaeontology from the University of Cambridge, UK.  After post-doctoral research in Europe , the USA and North Africa , he worked for the South African Geological Survey for several years. He has now started his own company Natura Viva cc, specialising in natural history education and tourism.  John is a registered Field Guide for South Africa and Namibia.

Dr Izak Rust retired as professor of geology from the University of Port Elizabeth . He has been a teacher of geology for 35 years at Stellenbosch and Port Elizabeth . His special interest is in sedimentology, coastal processes and landscape evolution. Izak travelled the world - from Antarctica to the Namib Desert, Bay of Fundy to the Amazon Basin; Mississippi Delta to Japan; Australia, New Zealand and Hawaii.

Price - R253 VAT & postage included

Animal Alert! – you and the big ones  This publication by Johan Fourie was recently updated, and gives you an overview of dangerous animals and how to handle them in the bush.  It provides suitable learning for the general bush lover and field guides at all levels. The book relates real-life incidents experienced by Johan Fourie during his career as SKS guide, encountering lion, leopard, hyena, elephant, rhino, buffalo, hippo, crocodile, ostrich and dangerous snakes on foot.  Learn from these personal encounters with the Big Five and other dangerous animals.  Easy to read and richly illustrated – a must for anybody venturing into the African bush. This publication is now a prescribed work for rangers in the Kruger National Park.

Price - R121 VAT & postage included

Logbook

The Nature College has now designed and printed a logbook for guides.  This logbook will last you for 24 months, and is a valuable tool in accumulating evidence about you guiding experience.  It can be ordered directly from us. 

The cost is R29, postage will be an additional R10, making it a total of R39 (VAT incl).

Stryd in die Bos

A fiction novel based on real-life events. It portrays the battle between conservation officers and the crime syndicates that are decimating our rhino population.

This best-selling novel is the first in a series about environmental crime.  It is available at most bookshops at R159.000, of which R10 is donated to the Stop Rhino Poaching Fund.

How to order  Postal orders are handled by depositing the correct amount in the following bank account:

Acc Name: The Nature College Wild Life Training (Pty) Ltd

Standard Bank Riversdale

Branch Code: 050313

Acc Nr: 082 282 714

Fax the included order form for attention of Johan Fourie at (028) 551 2562, clearly indicating your name and postal address, and title of the book ordered. On receipt of the fax a book will immediately be posted to you.  

How to order  Postal orders are handled by depositing the correct amount in the following bank account:

Acc Name: The Nature College Wild Life Training (Pty) Ltd

Standard Bank Riversdale

Branch Code: 050313

Acc Nr: 082 282 714

Fax the included order form for attention of Johan Fourie at (028) 551 2562, clearly indicating your name and postal address, and title of the book ordered. On receipt of the fax a book will immediately be posted to you.  

Other services We develop educational resources for game reserves.  Our primary focus is the development of interpretive nature trails.  In conjunction with nature trails we create interpretive resources such as brochures, leaflets or audio disks, ranging from the Namib to the Kalahari, Karoo , coastal fynbos and savanna.