Thatch and Earth

In this episode we talk to Dex Kotze about his fascinating role in the conservation industry. Dex is a successful businessman who has impacted every industry he has turned his hand to. We chat about how he got started in conservation, how he has been on the front line of poaching prevention and what the future looks like for conserving our wild animals. With such a wealth of knowledge we will be following up with Dex for more soon.

In this episode we chat to Mike and Dylan from Cape RADD in Cape Town. We dive into the fascinating world of marine biology and unpack the many advances in the marine conservation environment. Mike and Dylan give us some insights into Cape RADD, what they are doing create the next generation of marine biologists, how to get tourists involved in first hand conservation and how anyone can get involved in data capture regardless of their scientific background.We thoroughly enjoyed chatting to these guys and are so excited to explore the underwater world with them soon.Thatch&EarthCape RADD Website: caperadd.comEmail: info@caperadd.comInstagram/facebook/twitter: @caperadd

In this episode we chat to a Singta guide, Michael Kirby, about his experiences in the guiding industry. Mike is a Swiss army knife when it comes to the African bushveld and we get an insiders perspective into what actually goes through your guides head when it comes to being in the bush with guests. We talk about what he looks for in the experience, what you yourself can expect when going to a lodge, what to pay attention to and most importantly how you can get the most out of your bushveld experience.Thatch and Earth

In this episode we chat to Olli Hyvärinen. He is a dear friends of ours who is currently working on his PhD based around Rhinos and their influence in the bushveld. We talk about how important these megaherbivores are, what life could be like without them and what vital role they play in their intricately connected landscapes.www.thatchandearth.comOlli Email: olli.hyvarinen@slu.seOlli Instagram: @petteriolliOlli Twitter: @petteri_olliOlli Linkedin

In this episode we chat to Steve Faulconbridge. A true bushveld guru with many years of diverse experience under his well worn belt. Steve has been a mentor to us both and has not only shaped our view of the bush, but also opened our eyes as to how the bush can be used a means to heal. We chat more about Steve's worm project, how he got started in this industry and what the bush ultimately means to him.www.thatchandearth.comSteve's Email: sfaulconbridge@gmail.comSteve's Insta & Twitter: @faulconbridgesteve

In this episode we have a discussion about the Big 5 and what these 5 animals are doing to the conservation industry. We look at where the Big 5 originated from, what guides do to create a less Big 5 centred experience, how these animals affect the ecology of their surrounding environment and whether we even need this clever marketing tool at all.www.thatchandearth.com

In this episode we chat to Colleen Lindberg, who has a MSc in Conservation Biology and is currently working in the voluntourism industry. We breakdown the key reasons why people choose to volunteer in the conservation industry and what to look out for when choosing an organisation.Additionally, we cover her insights into improving this industry as well as how important this role is when it comes to the conservation of our protected areas.For more info on Voluntourism, visit www.thatchandearth.com

In this episode we talk about the current trophy hunting landscape, what role it plays in conservation and whether we need it to conserve our protected areas. Falling on the 5th anniversary of Cecil the lion's tragic death, we open up about what this sensitive issue means to us and what defines this complex landscape.www.thatchandearth.com

In this episode we talk to Andrew De Blocq from BirdLife South Africa. We learn about his passion for the birding industry and how, in his new role in avitourism, he is drastically improving the birding landscape in South Africa. With his dedication to creating strengthened community bird guides, informed habitat conservationists and passionate enthusiasts, he is a valuable resource in the birding world. www.thatchandearth.comBirdLife Contact info ---------------------------------------------------------------Website: www.birdlife.org.zaNewsletter: https://www.birdlife.org.za/media-and-resources/e-newsletter/e-newsletter-2020/Community Bird Guide: https://www.birdlife.org.za/go-birding/community-bird-guides/#1527850083827-7cc25ab4-4212Birder Friendly Establishments: https://www.birdlife.org.za/go-birding/bird-friendly-establishments/CBG COVID fund: https://www.birdlife.org.za/birdlife-guide-relief-fund/Listers club: https://www.birdlife.org.za/go-birding/go-birding-south-africa-listers-club/Cruise: https://www.birdlife.org.za/flock-to-marion-2021/Contact: Andrew.deblocq@birdlife.org.za----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

We get chatting about what led us to create Thatch and Earth, what got us motivated to pursue this journey as well as what we have in store for you in the future.Don't forget to take a look at our blog. (www.thatchandearth.com) Subscribe for more and to stay up-to-date with the latest conservation news