Eighty-six-year-old Freya Brett, a proud member of the Helderberg community, has been honoured with the 2026 Owl Award in recognition of her outstanding contribution to BirdLife South Africa and dedication to the conservation of birds and their habitats.

Quiet dedication

The Somerset West Bird Club nominated Brett in 2024, citing her 26 years of continuous service on the committee since 1998, her role as the club’s historian and her longstanding participation in the bi-annual CAR count in the Overberg.

The nomination also highlighted her wider environmental involvement as a former chairperson of the local branch of the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (Wessa) and a member of the Friends of the Helderberg Nature Reserve committee. It was an opportunity to recognise work that had taken place quietly over decades.

The Owl Award is an annual honour given by BirdLife SA to recognise individuals, volunteers and organisations that go above and beyond in supporting bird and habitat conservation. Each year the Owl Committee considers nominations nationally and narrowing the field to 12 is a difficult task.

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Humbling honour

Receiving the award has been a humbling experience for Brett.

“It is a token of the achievements of many individuals and teammates who have mentored and supported me in bird conservation and environmental education projects.

“Working with the youth has always been a true passion, and to have been honoured in this way is incredibly validating. I look forward to continuing our shared mission.”

Brett joined the Somerset West Bird Club 36 years ago and has since formed lifelong friendships with like-minded birders, visited places she never imagined she’d see and discovered more about the fascinating world of birds.

She has held various portfolios, including organising speakers for evening meetings, documenting the club’s history and driving environmental education initiatives.

Environment meets schools

The defining moment of her career was joining the Eco-Schools programme in 2006, an international sustainability initiative active in 70 countries and implemented in SA by Wessa since 2003.

As coordinator for Eco-Schools in the Helderberg north Brett works proactively with schools to develop vegetable gardens, plant fynbos to attract wildlife, and create natural areas for birds.

She has also secured funding for educational outings and weekends away, where young people explore wildlife, go on night walks to listen to nightjars, and learn about environmental issues and possible solutions.

Brett believed that connecting young people to nature improves their mental health, builds confidence and fosters lifelong environmental responsibility. “Experiencing nature first-hand helps youth appreciate fragile ecosystems, inspiring them to love and protect the planet as adults.”

Field data

Citizen science has also played an important part. For 33 years she has participated in the monitoring and counting of Blue Cranes and other terrestrial birds, contributing valuable data on the status of these species and the impact that changes in agriculture and the environment may have on them.

“What has kept me involved for all these years is the people, the friendships and our shared love and respect for birds. The club has given me opportunities to learn, to contribute and, most importantly, to pass that knowledge and enthusiasm on to others.

“There was not one particular moment that sparked my interest in birds. I’ve always been fascinated by everything that is wild and natural; what can be more exciting than watching a peregrine falcon fold its wings and dive at 320 km/h chasing its prey, or a pair of dancing Blue Cranes?

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Vision forward

According to Freya, birds everywhere are facing serious threats. In the Helderberg, birds are declining due to land transformation, urbanisation and alien vegetation that competes with indigenous plants and consumes massive amounts of water. The Somerset West Bird Club supports several conservation projects to help save species. Penguins now have safe and shady burrows to nest in, Secretary Birds wear tiny tracking devices that map their every move, and the club has supported Black Harrier conservation through a donation to the Overberg Renosterveld Trust’s work.

“Looking ahead, my aim is to contribute to local conservation efforts, participate in citizen-science projects and support bird monitoring initiatives. I want to inspire the next generation to see the magic in birds and become fierce protectors! If more schools join the Eco-Schools Programme it can be done!”