WILD NEIGHBOURS URBAN WILDLIFE INITIATIVE
In November 2010 I launched the Wild Neighbours initiative with the vision to inspire an interest in urban wildlife and the growing imperative to live more consciously and considerately alongside nature in our city.
Through a range of awareness materials, the Wild Neighbours messaging is shared by weaving together descriptive narratives with inspirational images that explore ways of connecting more meaningfully with nature and ultimately working to engender a more caring, integrated relationship with our natural world.
LATEST NEWS
The new WILD NEIGHBOURS WEBSITE, filled with thoughts, ideas and information on urban wildlife, is now up.
Visit http://www.wildneighbours.co.za
The Humane Society International in the United States have generously sponsored the development of the website.
In December 2011 I began work on my WILD NEIGHBOURS URBAN WILDLIFE HANDBOOK, with my initial research and writing time kindly sponsored by the Kathleen Hastie Charitable Trust.
A CONTEXT FOR URBAN WILDLIFE
Most cities around the world developed in areas that were historically abundant in wildlife and natural resources. Today remnant populations of birds and small mammals that once thrived in these regions still manage to live amongst us, moving stealthily between their natural habitats and the verdant oasis of our gardens and recreation areas.
For many species, life on the urban edge is very challenging and they have to continually adapt to the fluctuations in the urban landscape, contending with a host of pressures including speeding vehicles, predatory domestic pets, walled gardens and an ever-shrinking natural environment.
THE WILD NEIGHBOURS BOOKLET
This 28-page booklet offers insight into living with wildlife in Cape Town, providing anecdotal advice and information on the different species on the Peninsula and how to manage our homes to live optimally alongside these wild neighbours. Beautiful photographs by Nigel Dennis and my husband Noel enhance the messaging.
The Humane Society International in the US, through the support of CEO Andrew N. Rowan and John Hadidian of the Urban Wildlife Programme, sponsored the booklet, which was included as an insert in the Dec 2010/Jan 2011 issues of Africa Geographic and Africa Birds & Birding magazines.
Download a PDF overview | our_wild_neighbours_booklet_-_2010.pdf
‘I received our copy of Our Wild Neighbours and what a delight reading it. It now has a place of honour on our lounge table and with it being the festive season, family, friends and neighbours who’ve been to visit and have purused it have loved it and asked if they could also get a copy.’ Sue Samson
‘ Congratulations on a wonderful and timeous book. The message is vital and must be circulated far and wide.’ Helen Lockhart, Communications & Sustainability Manager, Two Oceans Aquarium
See my friend Karoline Hank’s Blog review http://karabos.wordpress.com/2010/12/02/our-wild-neighbours/