A Diary of a Cawston Encounters Volunteer ~ Chapter 2

Working At Cawston

One piece of advice I would give to anyone coming to Cawston: get involved in everything. Every single task taught me something valuable. Yes, at times it can feel challenging, but the sense of accomplishment after learning so many new skills is incredibly rewarding.

Starting out, it felt a bit intimidating — especially if you’re not sure what’s happening around you. But Cawston is full of experienced people who’ve been there for years and are always willing to help.

I never thought I’d be reading camera traps, creating new recipes, or even helping to build bush toilets for the temporary camps! Every day brought something new.

And let’s not forget the sunsets. After a busy day, Chris’s secret sundowner spot became my favourite place to unwind, taking in the breathtaking African skies. Nothing compares.

My Projects in Zimbabwe

As part of my Nature Conservation studies through UNISA, I came to Cawston to complete the practical side of my training. The experience exceeded all expectations!

Some of the most exciting projects I worked on included:

• Carnivore studies: Using camera traps and spoor counts.
• Animal population analysis: Rapid species counts, hunting areas, grass identification, and population mapping.
• Invasive plant control: Removing alien plant species and managing vegetation health.

The camera trap study was particularly fascinating. Although it was a challenge at first (not knowing the property well enough), with guidance from the Head Game Scout, I quickly found my way. The project ran for 30 days, and going through over 3,000 photos was an adventure on its own! We captured everything from hyenas and civets to giraffes and even a brown hyena only 400 metres from camp.

Another project was focused on vegetation mapping.
This required photographing specific points on the farm to track seasonal changes. It involved plenty of bushwalking, guided by GPS points and sometimes just good old-fashioned tracking skills. I vividly remember an adventure when we unexpectedly bumped into a buffalo herd! These were real, raw bush moments that tested my skills.

Unforgettable Lessons & Memories

These projects weren’t just about data collection — they were life lessons.

Many of the techniques I used were considered “old school” by modern standards, but in the African bush, they remain some of the most reliable methods. I’ve walked away from this experience with a treasure trove of new skills, lifelong memories, and a profound appreciation for the wild.

Tip: Always keep your camera and notebook handy. Cawston is full of surprises you’ll want to remember!

– JP