“When I walk around and see what we’ve achieved over the last eight to ten years, I feel very grateful. I think it’s important that there’s a conservation covenant on the property. It means it’s protected—even when we’re not here. If someone else purchases it, they’ll be able to continue the work.” says Catherine.
Catherine and Clive’s 140-hectare property supports a remarkable diversity of native species and habitats, including five to six distinct ecosystems, a seasonal creek, an extensive seasonal wetland and habitat for endangered southern brown bandicoots. The property is also home to an abundance of birdlife, with 114 bird species recorded.
One of the property’s most significant conservation achievements has been the restoration of a seasonal wetland. After identifying that a dry, flat area had historically functioned as a wetland, Catherine and Clive worked with experts from Nature Glenelg Trust to restore natural water flows. Since 2018, the wetland has undergone a dramatic recovery and now supports more than 90 native plant species, seven frog species and a wide variety of waterbirds, including ibis, cormorants, spoonbills and ducks.
One of the property’s most significant conservation achievements has been the restoration of a seasonal wetland. After identifying that a dry, flat area had historically functioned as a wetland, Catherine and Clive worked with experts from Nature Glenelg Trust to restore natural water flows. Since 2018, the wetland has undergone a dramatic recovery and now supports more than 90 native plant species, seven frog species and a wide variety of waterbirds, including ibis, cormorants, spoonbills and ducks.
“When there’s water in the wetland, I try to come back and look around, sometimes in the canoe. It’s only wet from July to December, then dry the rest of the year. It’s mind-blowing to see the explosion of life when water returns. Initially, it’s just water. Then vegetation appears, followed by a biological soup of invertebrates. That’s when the birds come in. As the wetland dries, vegetation grows even more. There’s a month or so when it’s an absolute biological paradise,” says Clive.
Ongoing stewardship activities focus on improving habitat quality and protecting native wildlife. This includes controlling invasive weeds, foxes and feral cats, as well as undertaking enrichment planting of native trees, shrubs and grasses. These actions, aided by the Project Platypus Landcare Network, help support the property’s diverse ecosystems and provide important habitat for species such as the endangered southern brown bandicoot.
Through active restoration, long-term stewardship and permanent protection, Catherine and Clive’s property demonstrates the important role private land conservation plays in protecting Victoria’s biodiversity.
Through active restoration, long-term stewardship and permanent protection, Catherine and Clive’s property demonstrates the important role private land conservation plays in protecting Victoria’s biodiversity.
If you’ve enjoyed reading about how Catherine and Clive have restored their property, you may also enjoy learning about David and Mary’s property in Erica, complete with its own waterfall!