This extraordinary reserve is a precious remnant of forest in south west Victoria and protects vital habitat for threatened species. Here, we celebrate how the reserve was created, and the volunteer Friends of Ralph Illidge Sanctuary who have cared for the reserve with such dedication for 25 years..
For a quarter of a century, dozens of dedicated volunteers have tended Trust for Nature’s Ralph Illidge Sanctuary on Eastern Maar Country.
For a quarter of a century, dozens of dedicated volunteers have tended Trust for Nature’s Ralph Illidge Sanctuary on Eastern Maar Country.
“It’s one of the few remaining untouched bushlands,” says Peter Batistello, former President of the Friends of Ralph Illidge Sanctuary. “It used to be bush all the way from the Otways to Warrnambool, but farmers cleared the land and everything changed. It would be a shame if it was gone.”
Formed in 2000, and taking up the mantle of the earlier volunteers, the Friends are the caretakers of Ralph Illidge Sanctuary. Every month volunteers visit the reserve, contributing countless hours of weeding and maintenance.
Peter was born in the area, and farmed dairy cattle on land opposite the sanctuary, and got involved in the committee when a member approached him.
Peter was born in the area, and farmed dairy cattle on land opposite the sanctuary, and got involved in the committee when a member approached him.
“I was always looking at it and I’ve always loved the bush. I enjoy the whole ecosystem of it, not just one thing. You’re always learning, you never stop learning,” says Peter.
Today, the sanctuary protects nearly 100 ha of habitat, including threatened forests. Brucknell Creek flows through the reserve, before joining the Hopkins River and Bass Strait at Warrnambool. Nearly 200 species of plants and animals have been recorded on the reserve, including threatened species such as Longnosed Potoroos, Rufous Bristlebirds, Powerful Owls, and species of orchids.
Keeping on top of the weeds is an ongoing challenge – particularly Blackberries and Arum Lilies, which are creeping into the reserve from upstream.
Keeping on top of the weeds is an ongoing challenge – particularly Blackberries and Arum Lilies, which are creeping into the reserve from upstream.
“It’s never-ending,” Peter says. “But without constant weeding it will just go backwards.”
The sanctuary regularly hosts visitors at the reserve’s information centre, including school groups and field naturalists. In 2021, the Friends hosted an art show featuring some of the area’s wonderful plants and animals.
This year, the sanctuary was visited by birders from far and wide when an unusual Black-faced Monarch showed up the reserve, well west of its usual range. The Friends have encouraged visitors to respect habitat and tread lightly.
This year, the sanctuary was visited by birders from far and wide when an unusual Black-faced Monarch showed up the reserve, well west of its usual range. The Friends have encouraged visitors to respect habitat and tread lightly.
“We like visitors,” says Peter, “but big mobs of people can damage the environment, particularly if they go off trails.”
With the dedication of the Friends of Ralph Illidge Sanctuary, the reserve will continue to provide important habitat for wildlife, and a place for people to connect with nature.
