ON a recent Sunday 23 Gloucester Environment Group members were treated to a most informative and fascinating bushwalk on a beautifully regenerated 132-hectare property in Glen Road, Craven.
When the owners bought the land it was significantly degraded after years of logging, excessive burning and neglect, and the creek banks were overgrown with privet, lantana and other weeds.
The owners recognised, however, that as the property was part of a bushland corridor between adjacent areas and a vital pathway for native wildlife, it required rehabilitation.
Over the last 30 years the natural environment has been significantly restored.
Some of the regeneration of the property has been achieved by natural regrowth, while other parts, which had been cleared for grazing, have been replanted by hand.
The property is partly covered by conservation agreements, meaning that the bushland is protected, even with a change of ownership.
One of the owners generously led the Gloucester Environment Group members on a 5k plus walk, partly along a formed track and partly along Stony Creek.
Thankfully for the walkers the creek was not overly full, although a few feet did get wet along the way, and the occasional tick or leech had to be removed.
The walkers were shown some rare and endangered plant species, including a self-sown Scrub Turpentine.
“We were amazed at how a functioning, healthy bushland environment can be re-established with imagination, determination and hard work,” said Group President Tibor Kovats.
“It was great to see owners of a private property with a vision for the future that will last in perpetuity.”
“The conservation of private land plays a vital role in the protection of the natural environment.”
By John WATTS
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