Friends of Vrolijkheid

13/08/2026

Thanks for the lovely post McGregor Tourism . We look forward to welcoming more visitors to the reserve, and some more members too.

26/07/2026

Together with McGregor Vrolijkheid Conservancy we hosted a Bioblitz at Vrolijkheid Nature reserve yesterday. The extremely knowledgeable Steven Molteno (MSc Biology) lead a group of 25 people on an interesting walk, showing us the fascinating variety of plants and their special adaptations in such a small area. We all learnt so much about our environment and yet he imparted his experience in a way that never felt overwhelming or difficult to understand.

After the walk he spent time familiarising us with the iNaturalist.org app too.

We're all certainly looking forward to doing this again at a different time of year and experiencing the seasonal changes.

22/06/2026

Don't forget the Friends of Vrolijkheid Indaba on Saturday, at 2pm. Symbulon Performing Arts Centre.

This coming Saturday (27th June) is the Friends of Vrolijkheid AGM, at the Symbulon Centre, 42 Tindall Street, McGregor.

Along with FoV members, we're really keen to also invite non-members who have an interest in nature and the outdoors.

The goal of the afternoon is to identify ways in which the community of McGregor can engage more with Vrolijkheid Nature Reserve, both on our doorstep and also in the mountains at the end of our "road to nowhere"
We'd particularly like to hear from people involved in birding, photography, geology, botany or any other special interest groups.
Please join us at 2pm for tea and a discussion. Bring your ideas on what can be improved, how we may be able to benefit from all of the wisdom and experience in the village, or what you most want to see happening at Vrolijkheid.

For catering can you please reply here, or else contact Barbara on 078 183 7560

22/06/2026

This coming Saturday (27th June) is the Friends of Vrolijkheid AGM, at the Symbulon Centre, 42 Tindall Street, McGregor.

Along with FoV members, we're really keen to also invite non-members who have an interest in nature and the outdoors.

The goal of the afternoon is to identify ways in which the community of McGregor can engage more with Vrolijkheid Nature Reserve, both on our doorstep and also in the mountains at the end of our "road to nowhere"
We'd particularly like to hear from people involved in birding, photography, geology, botany or any other special interest groups.
Please join us at 2pm for tea and a discussion. Bring your ideas on what can be improved, how we may be able to benefit from all of the wisdom and experience in the village, or what you most want to see happening at Vrolijkheid.

For catering can you please reply here, or else contact Barbara on 078 183 7560

12/12/2025

There are 2 great opportunities with CapeNature

1. Conservation Assistant – Vrolikjheid Nature Reserve

Purpose: Support daily nature conservation and eco-tourism operations, including admin, infrastructure maintenance, and visitor services.
Key Responsibilities:
Assist with ecological monitoring, alien plant control, firebreak inspections, and firefighting.
Support eco-tourism activities, environmental education, and visitor management.
Maintain infrastructure (roads, trails, fences, signage) and equipment.
Participate in OHS compliance, admin tasks, and occasional supervision/training of staff.
Assist with law enforcement patrols and compliance monitoring.
Requirements: Grade 12, 2+ years relevant experience, valid Code B driver’s license, computer literacy, physical fitness, willingness to work irregular hours.
Added Advantage: First Aid, tool/equipment maintenance experience.
Closing Date: 23 December 2025.

2. Conservation Assistant – Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve

Purpose: Similar to Vrolikjheid role—focus on conservation operations, eco-tourism, and infrastructure upkeep.
Key Responsibilities: Identical to Vrolikjheid post (nature conservation tasks, visitor services, maintenance, OHS compliance, law enforcement).
Requirements & Advantages: Same as above.
Closing Date: 23 December 2025.

If you are interested, please send us a DM and we'll forward the application details to you.

07/12/2025

Thank you to everyone who joined us yesterday, whether for the BirdLife South Africa Birding Big Day, for the Boerie Braai, or both.

The top bird spotters were Rina Koen and Susan Dowd from Cape Town, with our own Rob Graham and Bill Doertenbach in second place, closely followed by Mike and Jenny Smart.

We really appreciate the support of our sponsors and partners, CapeNature, New Cape Central Railway, McGregor Vrolijkheid Conservancy , McGregor Winery, Eseltjiesrus Donkey Sanctuary and Rooiberg Breede River Conservancy

To all the new members who joined Friends Of Vrolijkheid yesterday, it's great to have you along. Welcome!

04/12/2025

It's the Birding Big Day and our annual Boerie Braai on Saturday!

To ensure the best chance of catching the early birds, the reserve gates will be open from 5.30am.

CapeNature Field Rangers will be available to lead guided walks at 8am.

Prize giving for the birders will take place during the boerie braai, which starts at 3pm.

First prize is a ticket on the New Cape Central Railway, with other prizes of wine, books and various goodies.

The day is being run together with Rooiberg Breede River Conservancy, McGregor Vrolijkheid Conservancy and BirdLife South Africa

19/06/2025

is a conservation-focused company, pioneering in drone technology for environmental management and restoration assistance, based in the Western Cape. They map, monitor, and control invasive plant species in complex and sensitive landscapes. By using precision aerial herbicide application and geospatial tools, they support ecological restoration. Local landowners will learn more from at the Day

26/05/2025

Don't Forget!

It's the Friends of Vrolijkheid AGM this Thursday (29th May)

5.30 for wine and nibbles at Wahnfried (27 Bree Street, McGregor)
Meeting will start at 6pm.

All welcome - Members, prospective members and anyone with an interest in the nature around us.

Find out what we've been up to this year and what the plans are for the future. Hear about our camera traps which captured this image, and see some of the other creatures caught "in the act".

05/12/2024

Will you spot one of the Vrolijkheid Nature Reserve resident Black Harriers?
Maybe something else that has eluded you for years?

It's the BirdLife South Africa Birding Big Day this Saturday. (7th December)

You can register online now for the Provincial or National categories http://www.birdlife.org.za/support-us/events/birding-big-day-2024
For local entrants spotting within a 6 or 50km radius you can either register at the park, from 6am, or else drop us a mail at [email protected]

There will be drinks and eats available, as well as FoV branded clothing and an indigenous plant nursery too.

From 3pm it's time for our famous annual Boerie Braai. This will include the prize giving for the bird spotting teams.

Looking forward to seeing you there!