About Us
Highland Fling isn’t just a piece of land — it’s a heartfelt project led by a family with deep love for nature, birds, and the communities of Eswatini.
Who We Are
Meet Gordon & Judy Crawford
Gordon and Judy Crawford have spent decades exploring the mountains, valleys, and backroads of Eswatini — binoculars and camera always at hand. Their love of birding has taken them to the remotest corners of the country, chasing rare sightings and everyday beauty.
Gordon’s passion for African culture and traditional Swazi artifacts has led him across the continent, documenting stories, collecting rare items, and eventually authoring Sicebile — the only book dedicated to the material culture of Eswatini.
Together, the Crawfords bring a unique blend of eco-awareness, cultural respect, and grassroots commitment to every step of the reserve’s creation.
“It’s a little wild, a lot wonderful — and we wouldn’t have it any other way.”
— Judy
Our Journey
How Highland Fling Began
This all started as a simple idea — a quiet patch of land to grow vegetables and raise chickens. But what Gordon and Judy found when they visited this property was something far more powerful: rolling hills, untouched terrain, birdsong in every direction… and a sense of purpose.
What began as a modest dream quickly evolved into a vision for conservation — restoring native habitats, documenting local biodiversity, and creating a place where people can slow down and reconnect with the wild.
“That day marked the beginning of something bigger than we ever imagined.”
Why the Name “Highland Fling”
The name might sound Scottish — and that’s because it is.
“Highland Fling” is both a nod to Gordon and Judy’s heritage and a symbol of celebration. Like the old Scottish dance performed by warriors after battle, owning this land feels like a hard-won joy — a dream come true.
Scotland and Eswatini may be worlds apart, but both share sweeping horizons, quiet hills, and a deep connection to the land.
“Every sunrise is a celebration. Every step is a dance with nature.”
Our Community Work
Conservation + Compassion
For more than a decade, the Crawfords have supported local churches and families in Eswatini’s Lowveld — through monthly food parcels, church construction, pastoral support, and more.
In partnership with Jim and Mary McCauley’s mission, their nonprofit initiative serves over 200 vulnerable children and elderly people every month. This work isn’t just part of what they do — it’s who they are.
“This land is for the birds, the people, and the future.”
