Friends of Nylsvley directory

Friends of Nylsvley have run work parties at Nylsvley since March 1991 and courses since April 1996. Over the years we have financed and helped install the Kingfisher and Dabchick Hides, the Sasol Dragonfly Walkway, the Bittern Bridge and replaced the Jacana Walkway. We’ve rehabilitated the notorious long drop toilets in the campsite, installed an Enviro Loo at Vogelfontein and replaced the lookout tower ladder. The project, celebrating our 20th Anniversary during 2011, was to install a solar pump at one of the distant watering points. When the reserve was without sufficient budget, we financed repairs to the cold rooms and tractors, provided diesel, tools, uniforms and boots for the staff. Our skills saw to the rehabilitation of the watering points within the reserve. We developed the gate brochure in English and Afrikaans, and have been responsible for the signage within the reserve. The current challenges are coal prospecting and proposed platinum mining on the floodplain and the sewage and other effluent running into the Nyl River at Modimolle and Mookgophong.

In September 2013 a devastating fire raged through Nylsvley and neighbouring farms destroying 4 of the 5 hides, the Sasol Dragonfly walkway, enviro loo etc. Friends were involved with the rehabilitation process.

During 2016 the Friends celebrated 25 years of ‘doing good things’ for Nylsvley by donating 2 x 8 seater timber/plastic picnic tables for the Spoonbill Restaurant.

The replacement Crake hide was installed and officially handed over in August 2017. Benches for the Hamerkop group camp bathrooms were provided and work continued on the threats to the Nyl floodplain including illegal sand mining and dumping of rubbish. Friends continue to be involved with various EIA’s.

The Stemmer’s Hide was replaced in April 2018 with thanks to Sponsorship from Imerys Refractories South Africa

By joining the Friends of Nylsvley you will help us to continue the work towards the security of our water supplies and lobby that all developments around Nylsvley are done in accordance to formal regulations. Members of the Friends receive newsflashes and newsletters and the knowledge that you are helping us to look after the unique biodiversity of the Nyl floodplain.