Help save Bucklands

BUCKLANDS FARM is a 5th generation Horn family farm, in the Steytlerville district, Eastern Cape, South Africa.

It belonged to my recently deceased grandfather and his brothers and is currently managed by my uncle Hannes Horn. The farm lies in the south eastern corner of the Great Karoo, bordering the Kamdeboo on our north, and the Baviaans Kloof, on our south. The area is of great ecological importance, as it is home to about 7000 plant species, incorporating 5 plant biomes. It is also home to some of the last remaining Cape Mountain Leopards, Fish Eagles and the pristine beauty is further enriched by remnants of prehistoric history, fossils, Khoisan paintings and artefacts, and some colonial history.

Over the past seven years Bucklands has been under severe financial pressure due to a crippling drought. This year alone was the driest the farm has EVER been: 40mm (1.57 Inches) for the entire year!

Why do we need your help? Well during this demoralising drought, Bucklands has lost so much:

- 4 Horses: 1 stallion, 1 mare, 2 foals. Their fifth and final horse is also struggling. (Horses are not for leisure but to navigate the farm terrain to get to their sheep.)

- Farm workers: Forced to let the majority of his workers go, my uncle is left with only two to help him manage a 4000 hectare farm.

- 800 Merino ewes and 60% of all their lambs...dead

- More than 150 Kudus have disappeared, either died on the farm or somewhere else in the dry Karoo

- Another 100 Rhebucks also perished

- Roughly 70% of all smaller antelopes, mountain tortoises, rabbits, fish, etc. too

- 65 cattle had to be sold to buy feed for the remaining sheep

That being said, we can still help save the remaining animals and people who remain resilient despite this devastating drought but we need your help!

Past campaigns have enabled us to provide feed for the sheep, food for the people and waterlines to give life in the driest parts of the farm. As a nonprofit organisation, though, we completely rely on community support. None of our efforts would be possible without the help of donors, volunteers, and supportive community members like you.

Would you please consider making a donation of ANY amount to help save, not only the animals or the farm but also the people, my family and the other families of those who live there too.

Any and all support is greatly appreciated. Thank you for being a part of our community and our story.