Habitat Restoration

When we purchased this property in 1985 it had been completely cleared of native vegetation except for a few inaccessible steep gullies. As a large proportion of the 40 hectares is flood prone, farming opportunities are marginal and it would seem that previous owners had not enjoyed enormous success. Even the garden around the house was sparse and attracted very few birds.

We have allowed natural regeneration to reforest the steep hills, which have remained undamaged by fire for the last thirty-six years. It is astounding to see a tree appear through the grass and vines and realize that it has not only managed to germinate in less than favourable conditions but has also managed to fight its way through these competitors.

Our plan for revegetation using a wide diversity of local plant species has been gradually implemented over the years.  Native birds, butterflies, mammals, reptiles and amphibians have all increased in number in response to the habitat improvements. Wetlands, recreated in low lying areas, are an integral part of our successful environmental restoration project.

A massive number of Melaleucas germinated from seed left behind as flood waters receded many years ago. Allen thinned out the seedlings so we now have a delightful, shady walk to the orchard.

The Melaleuca grove pictured above is between two of our front ponds. This once weed infested area is now shaded and developing an interesting understory of Mangrove Fern, Sedges and grass.