Covenantor

Sue Guymer and Bill Aitchison

Creating habitat and leaving a legacy

On the banks of Mullum Mullum Creek in Donvale, Wurundjeri Country, Sue Guymer and Bill Aitchison have created an extraordinary sanctuary. 

After meeting through their work in the finance industry, Sue and Bill became interested in native plants, and soon got involved with the Australian Native Plants Society. 

In 1987, they bought an acre of cleared land that had once been an orchard, and set to work transforming it. 

“At heart we’re conservationists,” says Sue. “Once you’re into the natural world, you begin to appreciate how everything is connected.” 

The garden is now brimming with native plants, and features a landscaped lake, all creating habitat for wildlife. 

“We’ve seen a lot of different birds come and go over the years. We’ve counted about 70 different species,” Sue says. After the Black Summer fires they were excited to be visited by a family of Satin Bowerbirds, who left blue items around the garden.

Acacias are the stars of the block. Bill has served as leader of the Acacia Study Group at the society since 2007, and over 60 species grow in the garden which create a stunning golden display in spring.  

Through the society Sue and Bill met people involved in Trust for Nature and learned about the organisation’s work. 

“We think what Trust for Nature does is very worthwhile and well worth supporting,” says Bill. “It was our personal associations with people involved that encouraged us to make a gift.” 

Sue and Bill have generously decided to leave a bequest to Trust for Nature. Such a gift will enable Trust for Nature to protect and improve more habitat on private land across Victoria. 

“It’s a great way to have ongoing support for the local environment after we’ve gone,” says Sue. 

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1500+ landholders across Victoria have made an incredible gesture to nature by ensuring the native habitat on their property is protected forever.