Nature's Valley Trust

  Verified by Volunteer World
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rating

4.9

Outstanding


3

Reviews


24

Years in business

Nature’s Valley Trust is a small NPO working at a cutting edge of integrated conservation. We have four main arenas, namely conservation, education, community, research.

About us

In December 2000 a group of Nature’s Valley families launched a community initiative whose goal was to engage all stakeholders and contribute to proactively maintaining the environmental integrity of Nature’s Valley and the surrounding area. The current, relatively pristine condition of ...

Review Description

About us

In December 2000 a group of Nature’s Valley families launched a community initiative whose goal was to engage all stakeholders and contribute to proactively maintaining the environmental integrity of Nature’s Valley and the surrounding area. The current, relatively pristine condition of the area is largely due to the legacy of a few committed individuals, whose commitment we celebrate and dedicate our work to.

Nature’s Valley lies on one of the most sought after stretches of South Africa’s coastline and development in the area is occurring at an unprecedented rate. The Nature’s Valley community has the potential to play a role in ensuring that proposed development is appropriate and sustainable, and that environmental impact is minimized. In order to achieve this, an involved and proactive community is essential, and this is why the Nature’s Valley Trust (NVT) was established to focus on environmental issues.

Where we work

Nature's Valley is along the Garden Route, in the Western Cape of South Africa. The Garden Route is one of the most beautiful and sort after areas of South Africa and has a strong conservation mind set. Nature's Valley is based 35km outside of Plettenberg Bay and is surrounding by the Tsitsikamma National Park (a section of the Garden Route National Park). The valley is surrounded by mountains and has a beautiful, white sandy beach.  The area is safe and has 24hr security patrolling the village 7 day weeks and there is also a small shop and restaurant. NVT works mainly in the Nature's Valley and Plettenberg Bay areas with a wide range of long term research and environmental education projects.

This area of South Africa is Malaria free and anti-malarial's are not necessary unless you are planning to travel to other parts of the country after your stay with us. It would be a good idea to visit your local GP and let them know of your travel plans, they will be able to inform you of any vaccines required or any other medical precautions you might need. If you are coming from a Yellow Fever area you will need proof of vaccination in order to enter South Africa.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for enthusiastic individuals who have a love and passion for the environment and would like to contribute to conserving it, even in the smallest of ways (no contribution is too small). People who are still studying, just finished studying or just looking for an organisation to get involved in for a short period of time, are welcome. Our only requirement is that you are walking/hiking fit as you will at times spend long days walking the beach or hiking along our coast or up our mountains.

Why choose us?

We are a conservation NPO with a difference in that we take a holistic approach to our work linking our research and education efforts to better communities and make a difference in the conservation of our beautiful area. We do not let the people who join us stand back and watch us in action, but rather get them hands-on and fully immersed in the work that we do. We want you to leave us feeling that you made an important contribution to conservation and a feeling that you learnt and gained valuable experience. 

Our mission and objectives

The mission of the Nature’s Valley Trust is “To maintain the long term environmental integrity of Nature’s Valley and surrounds by becoming proactively involved in issues that impact on the future of the area”

In order to achieve this mission, the following objectives are in place:

  1. To promote the principles that underpin applicable environmental policy and legislation.
  2. To play an active role in supporting good governance.
  3. To provide a support role for authority organisations relating to the environment.
  4. To promote an active, mobilised, aware community
  5. To develop an outreach programme with neighbouring communities
  6. To develop conservation and research Projects
  7. To monitor and influence new developments
  8. To ensure the future sustainability of the Nature’s Valley Trust’s mission and objectives


Contact Person

Kellyn Whitehead


Nature's Valley Trust reviews

Leandro Evangelista rating5.0

2018 at Nature Conservation Assistance

I had a great time volunteering with Nature's Valley Trust (NVT). You get to participate in all their projects. I had the chance to catch and release birds, monitor fish populations in the local estuary, clean up beaches and assist outdoor environmental lessons for kids. Most importantly, the NVT ...
Louise Bestea rating4.8

2018 at Nature Conservation Assistance

Surely, this has been one of the best time of my life so far. I completed my MSc degree with success (published a scientific paper as first author), made incredible friends, learnt a lot about myself, the country, people, animals, science, fieldwork, got to see some of South Africa. I never felt ...
Robin Fokker rating5.0

2015 at Nature Conservation Assistance

The time i spent in Nature's Valley during my internship with the Nature's Valley Trust (NVT) has truly been one of the greatest experiences to date. In fact, to this day I still feel a strong sense of nostalgia to the time I spent with the NVT. During my internship for my BsC programme, I spent ...