Country Life has organised a host of fantastic workshops for you for 2010.

Water: An Essential Element For Life

Country Life highlights the importance of water as its future hangs in the balance, in a two-day seminar in September in Stellenbosch.

This workshop is especially designed for conservationists wanting to acquire information on how to maximise opportunities to extend the use of water. This includes farmers, smallholding owners, home owners and gardeners concerned about the exposure of family members to chlorinated swimming pool water, as well as those involved in planning for natural and built environments – such as arcitechts, landscapers, nursery owners and property developers.

Climate changes and droughts throughout South Africa make us aware of the importance of our limited water resources. Government authorities have told us that the rapidly diminishing water supplies are sufficient until 2020, with scarcity by 2030.

Municipalities are applying stringent water restrictions and increasing the cost of water per kilolitre without apparent effect. Building costly desalination plants is not the answer.  

An understanding of the importance of protecting and preventing pollution of ground and rainwater resources timeously is of importance to city and rural dwellers, and at Country Life’s water seminar you’ll be able to meet specialists who will share their knowledge on critical water conservation issues.



PROGRAMME

Day 1:  Ritchie Morris, an environmental hydrogeologist, will speak on the access, storage, preventing pollution and maximum use in his address Water – Living for its Worth. Bennie Diedericks, a soil scientist, will cover Methods of Enhancing Soil Properties for Moisture Retention. Dr Jerome Davis of aQua Design will lead a session titled Changing Chemical Cesspools (swimming pools) into Functional Wetlands. Lastly Greg Austin of Agama will cover Biogas Systems for Improved Organic Waste, Waste Water Management and Energy Recovery.

Day 2:  Clare Burgess, a landscape architect, will discuss Landscape Architecture and Waterwise Designs. Patrick Shone, a conservation manager at CapeNature (Jonkershoek Nature Reserve) will cover Control of Water Thieves (Alien Vegetation Eradication). Prof. Bruce Hewitson, from the Department of Environmental and Geographical Science, UCT, and an international specialist on climate change, will lead a session on Predictions for Rural and Urban Areas.

Day 3:  An optional field trip, in your own vehicle, is planned to Fizantakraal, a trout farm in Dutoitskloof. Dan Wormsley has designed the farm for correct water use in aquaculture, including the supply, quality control, storage and treatment of effluent, without impacting on or spoiling the beautiful mountain valley.

Dates: 9 – 10 & 11(optional) September
Venue: L’Auberge Conference Centre, Raithby, Stellenbosch
Max participants: 40  
Fee: R1 850 (including teas and lunches)



UPCOMING WORKSHOPS

Extraction of Oils and Essences
Two-day workshop on farming with indigenous plants for extracting essential oils and essences for medicinal, cosmetic and industrial use. Optional field trips on day three to Rockhaven Farm, Die Berg, Porterville or Olive Boutique and Juliana’s Herbal Apothecary, Riebeek Kasteel.
Dates: 14 – 15 & 16 (optional field trip) October
Venue: Clouds Estate, Helshoogte Road, Banhoek, Stellenbosch
Max participants: 40   
Fee: R1 950

Farming with Waterfowl
Learn how geese, ducks and quackers can provide a sustainable income, control pests and become a fascinating hobby for country or city folk.
Date: 4 November
Venue: Vergenoegd Wine Estate, Route R102, Stellenbosch
Max participants: 40   
Fee: R860
 

To Book for Workshops

Phone Mandy 031 910 5773 or email her on mandya@dbn.caxton.co.za

Bookings will only be confirmed on receipt of proof of payment. No refunds will be made on bookings. Country Life reserves the right to cancel a course and will not be liable for the reimbursement of any travel accommodation or associated costs.