Ronan Diedricks

My name is Ronan, I was born in Kwa-Zulu Natal. I grew up in the bush, loving the outdoors. I have since completed many jobs which have given me experience in such fields. I am currently studying a Bachelors of Science in Environmental Management, aiming to specialise in Zoology. In December 2023 I moved to the UK, but although I am currently here would happily move back to South Africa for work. I am planning on going back towards the end of March and hope to complete my FGASA. 

I have done plenty of work and although I am only 22, have worked in many professional capacities aiming to gain as much experience. I have been able to do so as I am studying online through UNISA. I have worked as a sports coach for 4 years, a maintenance manager for 3, I started a business in agriculture at 20, and have volunteered as youth work leader and as an apprentice to a Professional Hunter/Ecologist. 

South Africa is wildly diverse, but in dire need of professional ecological input. In 2016 I did work experience with a professional hunter/ecologist as part of my IGCSE. Since then I have spent every moment available working by his side, learning how to preserve and protect nature, while experiencing its beauty. I have helped guide trips, dealt with varmint and assessed other ecologically dire situations. In this I became competent handling a firearm as well as proper techniques of processing animals. If you would like more information please feel free to contact me. I have plenty of experience, but would prefer to not have it available publically.

As part of my part time work experience I was asked to guide groups of 20+ highschool boys on a few different multi-day hikes in the Drakensburg. These hikes consisted of a few nights out in the wilderness, sleeping in caves or tents, walking upwards of 15km per day. More than just teaching those young men some things about the fauna and flora, they learnt many life lessons as we walked in rain or shine, hot or cold, with our 20kg packs. As I led these groups I had to remain professional in the most dire situatons, carrying multiple packs sometimes when boys were injured, trekking up and down to collect supplies, all while keep a smiling face and teaching young men about the beauty and drive of life.