The Thicket Forum

The Thicket Forum was formed in 2004 by a group of people affectionately known as "Thicketeers"- it is an affiliation of researchers, conservation managers, landowners, rural communities and other interested parties with a shared interest in Subtropical Thicket and its biodiversity. Thicket is one of South Africa’s major biomes, with an exceptional number of unique plant species. However, >70% of Thicket has been transformed or removed, so many of these unique plant species and their valued uses are under threat. The Thicket Forum meets annually to discuss research results and the sustainable management of Thicket, with the aim of conserving our natural heritage for future South Africans. 

Chairman- Dr Alastair Potts

Alastair is an Associate Professor in the Botany Department at Nelson Mandela University. He is interested in a wide range of ecological and conservation questions. For more information visit his website: www.pottsresearch.org.za

Thikcet Forum Committee 2024

From Left to Right

Heston McCabe, Alastair Potts, Nicholas Galuszynski, Margaeux Liberty, Alec Blewett, Craig Sholto-Douglas, Buntu Mzamo, Talitha Venter, Div de Villiers, Stacey Snakenborg.

Additional members not in the photo: Kyra Lunderstedt, Kathleen Smart, Eardley Rudman, Justin Gird

The committee of Thicketeers in 2020

From Left to Right

Top: Riyad Casoojee and Japie Buckle

Middle: Otto Beukes, Nicholas Galuszynski  Robbert Duker, Sinenjongo Gcina, Kathleen Smart, Tony Palmer, Tracey Nowell, William Gummow

Bottom: Alastair Potts, Georgia-Ann St Quintin, Kamva Zenani

Absent: Kyra Lunderstedt

Previous committee members

The Forum gratefully thanks and acknowledges the committee members that have contributed over the years. A list off all committee members to the best of our knowledge can be provided on request.

Founding of the Thicket Forum and early research directions

Valley Bushveld Symposium- 1991




Thicket Forum Proceedings- 2004



Special Forums

AZEF-THICKET FUSION FORUM

A joint event between the Arid Zone Ecology Forum and Thicket Forum to strengthen ties and share experiences.