January 2023
2022 was a busy year. We established a full-time presence in Guyana with Centre Director Sam Airey and his partner moving to Sophia Point in April. We renovated the existing site, developed the staff accommodation, and even hosted our first Master’s and PhD students. Sophia Point was formally granted legal not-for-profit status in Guyana and we facilitated a trial education outreach programme between the UK and Guyana. We also made significant progress with the designs and plans for the development of the larger facility at Sophia Point.
Over the next 12 months we will look to build on that momentum. Once a builder is appointed construction will begin on the main centre. We will formalise the trail system, develop our outreach efforts and welcome additional research groups and volunteers to Sophia Point.
Thanks to all who supported, advised, partnered and engaged with us over 2022. "We look forward to the next stage of the journey in 2023!
Trail clearing continues at Sophia Point
Forest guide Desmond and Director Sam, along with visitor Lawrence Da’Silva, have been out in the rainforest upgrading the trail path.
Bridging sections in the swampy low-lying areas allows us to make use of leftover off-cuts from the palms used in the camp’s roof and provide extra stablity for those on the trail.
Building “Camp Lime”
Our latest addition to the Sophia Point site is a traditional palm thatch camp we like to call “Camp Lime”.
A week of hard work, by Mackey, Desmond and Sam went into the construction of the camp. It is made entirely from materials sourced within Sophia Point. The roof is made of manicole palm leaves tied together with maho bark and affixed to the structure with nibi vine.
Camp Lime will accommodate overflow visitors overnight with the hammocks providing a perfect view over the river.
Sophia Point support Bartica foodbank
The Sophia Point team were delighted to support the local community's Christmas Homeless Hamper Appeal. This programme provides the vulnerable and homeless in the Bartica area with food over the festive period.
As well as a donation from the charity, co-founder David Lammy joined the Chairman in delivering food hampers to those in need in the run up to Christmas.
Spotted at Sophia Point…
This beautiful Tapir [Tapirus terrestris] was spotted roaming Sophia Point in the early hours by one of our trail cameras.
Known locally as a “Bush Cow” Tapir’s are often found near the water’s edge, particularly when fleeing from chasing Jaguar. Tapir numbers globally are in decline due to habitat destruction. The populations here in Guyana are vital in the preservation of the species.
