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Baviaanskloof World Heritage Site atlasing weekend 14-16 September

Here is a message from Alan Lee about an atlasing expedition to the Baviaanskloof. Alan is busy with a post-doc project on climate change and Fynbos birds and has been cycling through large areas of the Fynbos biome in the Eastern Cape collecting bird data in the region. You can read more about his adventures on his blog site.

"The Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency (ECPTA) is happy to invite atlasers to improve SABAP2 coverage in the Baviaanskloof World Heritage Site for the weekend 14 - 16  September 2012.

Reserve management has kindly offered the free entry and use of Geelhoutbos as a base, as well as field ranger support and safety briefings. This is a chance to for some adventurous atlasers to see parts of the Baviaanskloof normally closed to the public and to meet other atlasers, key ECPTA staff and the Friends of Baviaankloof Wilderness Area. There are also opportunities to altas areas outside of the Baviaanskloof, but those interested in this will need to make their own arrangements.

Access to the core area requires 4x4. To get to Geelhoutbos, participants will need a vehicle with high ground clearance (4x4 is preferable, although not essential).

Facilities at Geelhoutbos are very basic, so participants would need to be self-sufficient in terms of food and camping equipment. There is plenty of space to camp and there is also an unfurnished wood cabin that can be used.

Entrance fees are waived for birders involved in the survey and for partners. Any other participants will have to pay normal entry fee. Group size is limited to 30.

Please send your statement of interest to brian.reeves@ecpta.co.za before 20 August 2012."

We hope that many atlasers - particularly those in the Eastern Cape - will be able to take up this opportunity and join Alan in what promises to be an exciting and fun-filled atlasing bash in the wilderness landscapes of the Baviaanskloof.