FLIPPING BOOK CHRONICLE 2024

NATURE RESERVE

Written by Mr Graeme Nothard

Maintenance in the reserve is ongoing. The clearing of alien invasive plant species remains a priority. The reserve team are also responsible for maintaining all the roads and perimeter fencing, as well as the annual burning of fire breaks and selected block burning for veld management. The Michaelhouse herd of Nguni cattle can often be seen on the hillside assisting with veld management through rotational grazing. In 2024 the reserve again hosted the Balgowan Conservancy Trail Run. After the success of the inaugural event in 2023 we were able to schedule runs in summer and autumn, with entrants tackling the 6km, 10km or 20km courses. The Nature Reserve continues to play an important role in the school’s outdoor education programme, and we look forward to hosting the E Blockers for their Backyard Adventures programme in 2025.

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he Michaelhouse Nature Reserve is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the busy school campus. The reserve provides challenging runs and mountain biking opportunities for more energetic visitors, but those looking for more relaxing activity can be found at Alex Dam, fly-fishing for trout or ambling through the various indigenous forest hiking trails. The Environmental Society can often be found in the reserve monitoring animal movements by setting camera traps. The boys have assisted with the annual game count, helping keep track of population numbers and species diversity. Michaelhouse was very fortunate to host a team from Snare Aware, and a group of boys spent a day in the reserve with the team learning about snares, their impact on wildlife and how we can create awareness of snares in our communities.

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