“They were just kind of yelling out for about half an hour and then they all flew off — a kind of mournful yelping kind of sound and I think that’s a breeding season activity. I’ve never heard it before or since. I thought, ‘that was really special’”.
Granite landscapes and a deep connection to place
It was here, over 50 years ago, that Jenny’s parents sought respite from the city and bought a 56 ha property, Wingara. Later, Jenny married environmental manager Mark, raised a family, and the couple have been here since. As founding members of the Black Range Land Management Group, they have worked for decades to care for the landscape and its wildlife and plants.
It was here, over 50 years ago, that Jenny’s parents sought respite from the city and bought a 56 ha property, Wingara. Later, Jenny married environmental manager Mark, raised a family, and the couple have been here since. As founding members of the Black Range Land Management Group, they have worked for decades to care for the landscape and its wildlife and plants.
“It really is a special place. You know the granite rock formations in the bushland. That’s a unique sort of beauty that you don’t see in other parts of Australia,” says Mark. “I’m just constantly surprised and intrigued about the complexity and the beauty. It’s very good for the soul.”
Part of Trust for Nature’s Western Box-Ironbark focal landscape, the property is covered in open woodland dominated by Yellow Box, while underneath, wildflowers bloom in spring.
Preserving an ancient landscape
The range forms a vital link between the forests of Gariwerd to the west and the Pyrenees to the north, helping plants and animals move across the landscape. Recognising its importance, Jenny and Mark are now protecting their property forever with a conservation covenant.
The range forms a vital link between the forests of Gariwerd to the west and the Pyrenees to the north, helping plants and animals move across the landscape. Recognising its importance, Jenny and Mark are now protecting their property forever with a conservation covenant.
“It means that the love that we have for this place, which is evident by the work that we’ve done in it, will be embedded in law for generations to come,” says Jenny.
A lifelong commitment to restoring and protecting bushland
Looking after the property is a full-time job: controlling invasive animals and plants, restoring native vegetation, and working with Traditional Owners to understand the property’s cultural significance.
Looking after the property is a full-time job: controlling invasive animals and plants, restoring native vegetation, and working with Traditional Owners to understand the property’s cultural significance.
“You can’t sit back and let the bush do its own thing because we have a lot of external influences impacting on this island of bushland all the time,” says Mark. “If we’re going to sustain life, human life, on earth, we need to look after the place, for us and for future generations.”
