By Amelia Smith
In June/July of 2025, I had the incredible opportunity to spend five weeks living and working in Nature’s Valley with the Nature’s Valley Trust (NVT). This internship was a transformative experience that helped me reflect deeply on my career goals through hands-on fieldwork across various biomes and meaningful community engagement. I met amazing people from all around the world and discovered more about who I am and who I want to become.
Since my time was relatively short, I didn’t lead a main project but took on various supportive roles and eagerly joined others’ projects. One of my responsibilities was managing NVT’s social media, where I created videos to showcase the diverse activities we did. For example, alongside Rachel and Rudi, our forest trio, we conducted weekly tree surveys every Thursday, which I then recorded and made into a short video to show people what we were doing. Those days spent in the forest helped me develop a real love and passion for it.
Mornings were truly magical at Nature’s Valley. I helped with the Strelitzia alba research, observing which visitors came to the flower and which did not. During Rivers and Estuaries Week, Lauren took us out kayaking on the estuary, where we identified various birds while feeling the morning sun on our backs. An experience so serene and calming that it felt almost surreal. One of the highlights was how the weekly lectures took place in the biomes themselves instead of in a classroom, making the learning deeply immersive.
From the very first day, our walk through the fynbos opened my eyes to its beauty and ecological importance. I truly fell in love with this unique biome and learnt so many different facts about it. I also participated in otter tracking along the stunning beaches and helped in the garden every Monday. Alongside Rachel, I surveyed the Kurland community to identify which skills they wanted to develop for a new skills centre that NVT is supporting and helping them develop. We then compiled the data into graphs and reports to inform NVT’s efforts on the ground.
One of my favourite moments was going for runs round Nature’s Valley to get my bearings, then jumping into the crystal-clear sea just as the sun set and staying in there for at least 20 minutes at a time. Such a perfect way to end the day in such a special place. The hikes and breath-taking views were incredible and something that definitely made me love it even more. Another unforgettable experience was when the interns went to Kurland to watch the Springboks play rugby. One player grew up in Kurland, and sharing that moment with the community was a powerful bonding experience filled with warmth and respect.
This experience highlights just how much NVT has to offer and what an opportunity it is to engage in meaningful conservation work regardless of how much time you have. I have truly learnt so much from my time NVT, about conservation and myself and made memories that will last a life time. This internship has clarified my passion for fynbos, forest ecosystems, and connecting communities to conservation, especially through indigenous and traditional knowledge. Nature’s Valley has truly become one of my favourite places, and I hope I’ll be returning soon!