“It’s amazing how the animals blend into the woodlands when they’ve got their back to you. You have to look hard to realise what type of animal you’re looking at,” she says.
Tracy and her husband Fergus came to the property in 2015. They were looking for somewhere a bit quieter than their life in suburban Melbourne, but still close to amenities. Growing up in Seymour, and with her parents still based there, Tracy knew the area well. But they were surprised by the abundant life that revealed itself on their property.
“We were absolutely delighted by the birds. We have all types from pardalotes to wrens to wattlebirds. Because the ironbarks flower twice a year, there are so many birds and bugs that sustain themselves here. We can be doing the dishes and see something amazing walking by the kitchen window. You get to observe wildlife behaviour really closely, and that’s a privilege.”
Starting out in hairdressing, Tracy has had a varied career, most recently in the agriculture industry. As a kid, she’d go camping in the region and learned from
her grandfather to appreciate the birds. First using their Hilldene property as a weekender, Tracy and Fergus now live there full-time. In 2024, they decided
to protect the property forever with a conservation covenant.
Apart from providing a haven for birds, the property protects an ironbark forest that is depleted in the region. Threatened Brush-tailed Phascogales use tree hollows, while termite mounds provide nests for threatened Lace Monitors and food for the Echidnas. Tracy and Fergus have seen several species of orchids. Wallabies are abundant. They’ve recently seen five Echidnas living in the shed.
her grandfather to appreciate the birds. First using their Hilldene property as a weekender, Tracy and Fergus now live there full-time. In 2024, they decided
to protect the property forever with a conservation covenant.
Apart from providing a haven for birds, the property protects an ironbark forest that is depleted in the region. Threatened Brush-tailed Phascogales use tree hollows, while termite mounds provide nests for threatened Lace Monitors and food for the Echidnas. Tracy and Fergus have seen several species of orchids. Wallabies are abundant. They’ve recently seen five Echidnas living in the shed.
“We’ve all had to live with each other out here,” says Tracy. “Leaving the bulk of the property to nature gives us a great sense of comfort. As I’m getting older I’ve had time to think about our place in the world. For us, Trust for Nature offered us something that was solid, real and lasting. The trees, orchids, birds, and wildlife will always have a home and be protected when we leave this earth.”
Tracy has appreciated the advice and knowledge provided by Trust for Nature staff as the property was assessed for a covenant.
“I would really encourage others to take advantage of the grant opportunity currently offered by the government to assist with the cost of protecting their property with a covenant.”
Keen to read about more Victorian fauna? Discover East Gippsland’s nocturnal wildlife.
