This week is dedicated to recognizing and supporting female rangers around the world. These women play a crucial role in protecting endangered species, combating poaching, and promoting environmental sustainability. We are honouring their commitment since it’s not always an easy role. It is a male dominated industry, with tough physical challenges endured during foot patrols and many weeks spent in isolated outposts away from your family.
2025 Bird of the Year
Posted by Cheryl on Wed October 1, 2025 in Community & Conservation and Nature.
For nearly two decades, BirdLife South Africa has selected a Bird of the Year to highlight and champion one of the country’s many extraordinary avian species. This annual initiative raises awareness about the importance of bird conservation and provides insight into the unique characteristics of the chosen species. In 2025, the spotlight falls on the Red-billed Oxpecker (Buphagus erythrorhynchus), an iconic bird known for its symbiotic relationship with large herbivores and its vital role in the ecosystem.
The grade 4,5 & 6 learners from Hambrook Primary School learnt all about The Bird of the Year.
The Red-billed Oxpecker, also known as the Rooibekrenostervoël (Afrikaans), ihlalankomo (isiZulu), and ihlalanyathi (isiXhosa) is a fascinating bird known for its complex relationship with large herbivores, such as buffalo, giraffes, and rhinos. At Three Tree Hill they keep our horses clear of ticks, and after they have cleaned up all these ectoparasites, they tuck into the ear wax for dessert!
We are very fortunate to have two regular nesting sites close to the lodge, which we keep an eye on during the breeding season.
Steven Segang, Conservation & Community Officer for Birdlife South Africa, Bird Guide Extraordinaire, from the Ingula Grassland Conservation Project near Ladysmith & Birdlife South Africa, shared all his knowledge & passion about this special little bird with the children. This visit is part of two school visits to educate the learners about Bird Conservation.
Further Reading
Celebrating World Female Ranger's Week
Thu June 26, 2025
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Full Circle Sustainability at Sakhile Centre of Learning
Sat May 24, 2025
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On the 22nd May, 2025 the Institute for Catalysis and Energy Solutions (ICES), a research unit at the University of South Africa (UNISA), handed over the completed Biogas Digestor & Water System, to the Sakhile Centre of Learning, situated in the aMazizini area of the uKhahlamba Drakensberg. The project was started in 2015, by Three Tree Hill Foundation and The Legacy of Grace, who eventually handed the reins over to the community...
Fresh Looks with Flair
Fri September 12, 2025
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Our design inspiration is drawn directly from the natural beauty that surrounds us—rippling river currents, dappled sunlight filtering through the forest, and the rhythmic, repeating patterns of nearby crop fields.
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