Our Story

BirdLife Plettenberg Bay, originally known as Plett Bird Club, took flight in May 1995 when a small group of passionate birders came together to form an association dedicated to learning more about local birdlife. The first committee was elected on 3rd November 1995, and by the time of the inaugural Annual General Meeting on 10th June 1996, membership had grown to 26 enthusiastic birders.

On 8th September 2003, the club officially adopted the BirdLife South Africa Constitution, becoming a Branch Member of BirdLife South Africa under the name BirdLife South Africa Plettenberg Bay. A decade later, in 2015, BirdLife South Africa transitioned its branches into affiliated members, prompting the club to update its constitution and rename itself BirdLife Plettenberg Bay—an independent affiliate of BirdLife South Africa.

Growing a Passion for Birds and Conservation

In 2014, the club launched an educational birding programme in local schools, sparking curiosity and excitement among young learners. The following year, BirdLife Plettenberg Bay extended its conservation efforts by partnering with Tenikwa Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, providing volunteer support for the care of injured birds and wildlife. 2015 also marked the start of engaging bird courses at the Plett Angling Club, open to anyone eager to expand their birding knowledge.

Today, the club has grown to over 410 members, offering a diverse range of activities to promote bird conservation and awareness.

What We Do

BirdLife Plettenberg Bay is committed to fostering a love for birds while actively contributing to conservation. Our key activities include:

• Monthly Talks and Outings: Hosting informative talks and guided outings that explore local fauna, flora, and environmental topics, with a strong focus on the vital role birds play in our ecosystems.
• Rescue and Rehabilitation Support: Raising funds and offering financial aid to organisations that care for injured and mistreated birds. Our volunteers also assist in the retrieval, transport, and rehabilitation of birds in distress.
• Educational Programmes: Engaging with local schools to teach children about birds, biodiversity, and environmental conservation, inspiring the next generation of nature enthusiasts.
• Facility Maintenance & Support: Providing hands-on assistance to rehabilitation centres, ensuring that facilities remain well-maintained for the ongoing care of birds and wildlife.
• Wildlife Release Initiatives: Supporting the safe release of rehabilitated birds back into their natural habitats, giving them a second chance at life in the wild.

Join Us!

Whether you’re a seasoned birder, a nature lover, or simply someone who wants to give back to conservation, BirdLife Plettenberg Bay welcomes you! Get involved in our outings, talks, and conservation efforts, and help make a difference for our feathered friends.

For more information, membership details, and upcoming events, get in touch with us today!