Thomas Baines Nature Reserve, in partnership with the Kariega Foundation, participated in the Corridors and Connection event hosted by Friends of Bathurst Nature on 13 and 14 March 2026 at Thomas Baines Nature Reserve.
The two-day event brought together conservation practitioners, researchers, learners, and community members to explore the importance of ecological corridors and the role they play in sustaining biodiversity and supporting resilient landscapes.
The first day focused on learners from local schools together with the Kariega Foundation. The morning session began indoors, where participants attended presentations and short talks delivered by representatives from Rhodes University, the Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency (ECPTA), and the Albany Museum. The programme also included a performance by a local school, adding a vibrant community element to the day.
Following the indoor session, learners took part in a guided walk along an interpretive trail, including the Lynette Rudman Walk. This experience allowed them to step outside the classroom and engage directly with the natural environment, strengthening their understanding of conservation and the landscapes that surround them.
The second day of the event began with a Dawn Chorus Walk, offering participants a unique opportunity to experience the reserve as the landscape came alive in the early morning hours. The walk set the tone for a day of insightful discussions centred on conservation, ecological connectivity, and sustainable land management.
The main programme featured a number of respected speakers who shared valuable knowledge and perspectives.
