General

What our students say about Bushveld Mosaic

“I completed the Bushveld Mosaic course in 2007 - a fascinating year’s learning enhanced by the expert and passionate lecturers in the various subjects - I never thought the novel on the side table would be replaced by Van Oudshoorn’s Grasses, Sappi’s Bushveld Trees or Carnaby’s Beat about the Bush. Have subsequently become an active Honorary Officer for the North West Parks & Tourism Board” – Craig (2007)

“When I started the course, I thought I knew at least a bit about nature. After the first lecture, I realised that this is going to be a journey never to forget. We all had such a great time whilst learning and friendships amongst strangers was established. One of the many most memorable moments is the wilderness weekend. Sleeping under the stars, taking turns to keep guard and cooking up a storm from the most basic ingredients.
Looking back, the knowledge I gained from the educated course organisers and well known authors (such as Prof Eric Holm) is more vast than what I imagined would be possible in the beginning. I surely obtained my licence to learn more. "Knowledge is a door that would only open if you turn the key yourself". Este (2008)

“I enjoyed the course very much and it became something to look forward to each month where we would learn another module. The quality of the lecturers was first class and it was a privilege to be able to learn from experts in their fields. It did not matter how much you knew or thought you knew about a subject, as you were soon exposed to stuff that you had no idea about.
The fellow students I met on the course have become friends as we shared something very special and worked together to reach a common goal. I'm now an Honorary Officer and proud to be able to assist North West Parks &Tourism Board in my small way. Bushveld Mosaic provided me with the opportunity to enjoy my time in the bush to a much higher degree.” - Peter (2007)

“My year spent with Bushveld Mosaic was a fabulous and enriching experience. The course content was comprehensive and timetable had a good flow. Dedicated lecturers were of a high standard. I can recommend and encourage others to participate in this programme to enrich their knowledge of our environment. Thanks, I’d do it again” - Helen (2005)

“From my perspective of gaining a broad based platform of information - both theoretical and practical - with respect to all aspects of our wildlife/floral and anthropological background of South Africa, is that it totally satisfied my expectations and provided me with the stimulus to go on looking and learning while out in the bush.
The actual course made study and learning an ongoing rewarding experience that was never a grind but always an enjoyable effort.
The social aspect of the weekends was great and stimulating meeting people of all backgrounds and ages.
I have often thought of doing it again because it was so much fun.
A great course for those to use as a stepping stone to a career in this field and to those enthusiastic amateurs like myself.” - Bruce (2005)

"We really did love the course and would do it all again in a heart beat…
From bees to butterflies, beetles, birds, buck, bonfires and bottles of wine shared and appreciated under the African sky.
Bushveld Mosaic is a course that has enriched our lives and has really opened up and deepened our appreciation and love of the African bush. The course covers such a wide range of information and makes learning a hands-on, fun and interesting process.
Each weekend away was well orchestrated, offering a wealth of information and new discoveries, the various lecturers were masters in their field and we were spoiled for choice.
There were so many highlights, we really enjoyed teaching the kids about wetlands and soil erosion, to see their interest and understanding of the environment, the wilderness weekend was a thrilling experience and the best of all was to share the whole year with fantastic people who all had a common interest and love of our fragile and beautiful environment.
So if it's all about, bush babies, birds, bees and butterflies, it's all made better with Bushveld Mosaic!” - Jessica & Richard (2005)

”Bushveld Mosaic enriched me in a way I never thought possible...what a gloriously exciting and wonderful year.
We made friends with like-minded people of all ages and cultural backgrounds, interacting, exchanging ideas and learning from one another.
We spent many evenings watching the fire, chatting quietly (sometimes not that quietly) and listening to wild animals calling to one another.
We were up at the crack of dawn to have coffee and rusks, to wake up to attend interesting and enlightening lectures by professionals - lecturers all passionate and involved in their various fields.
We learnt so much about nature and our world, the stars, solar systems, rocks, mammals, reptiles, arachnids, trees, grasses, the environment, history, archaeology... so many more interesting things.
I came back from each module wanting to know more - reading and researching avidly.
Too soon the year came to an end! We had so much fun, we learnt so much, and I really believe that we all grew in so many different ways. It has inspired and motivated me in so many ways.” - Mary (2008)

Course Information

The current Bushveld Mosaic course was developed in 1995 by Honorary Officer, Prof. Peter Fripp (Zoologist at Medunsa) in conjunction with requirements prescribed by the North West Parks & Tourism Board (NWP&TB).

Bushveld Mosaic Environmental Course has over the past fourteen years, further developed and enhanced the course in conjunction with North West Parks, the Field Guide Association of South Africa (FGASA) syllabus and assessments criteria, as well as changing industry standards requirements set by the Tourism, Hospitality, Sport Education & Training Authority (THETA).

Although Bushveld Mosaic course consists of a different module each month, the entire course programme is structured around ecological principles that build upon each other.

Our students are encouraged to assimilate and integrate what they have learned in one module with what has been learned in the previous modules, in order to develop a holistic view of the environmental conservation picture.

Testimonials:

“From my perspective of gaining a broad based platform of information - both theoretical and practical - with respect to all aspects of our wildlife/floral and anthropological background of South Africa, is that it totally satisfied my expectations and provided me with the stimulus to go on looking and learning while out in the bush.
The actual course made study and learning an ongoing rewarding experience that was never a grind but always an enjoyable effort.
The social aspect of the weekends was great and stimulating meeting people of all backgrounds and ages.
I have often thought of doing it again because it was so much fun.
A great course for those to use as a stepping stone to a career in this field and to those enthusiastic amateurs like myself.” - Bruce (2005)

Bushveld Mosaic - Accredited Training Provider

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