Reading a modern reproduction of the fascinating diary kept by Charles Darwin on his HMS Beagle sojourns around the world, I came across an interesting account from his visit to Australia. Journeying on horseback to Bathurst from Sydney, Darwin stayed at a large property, 'Walerawang' (surrounding the present-day township of Wallerawang some 150 km west of Sydney), and went hunting early the next morning. To quote him: "We continued riding the greater part of the day, but had very bad…
"Although ‘human’ and ‘environment’ often are considered separately, they actually are integrally related. We depend on the ecosystem services provided by our environment for well-being and survival, and the environment depends on us for its preservation." The Main Creek Catchment Landcare Group has recently issued a comprehensive Property Revegetation Guide to provide state of the science information on approaches to, and benefits arising from a carefully planned and executed program…
An emerging weed, Hedge Woundwort (Stachys sylvatica), has been observed along Splitters Creek, Valley View Lane, and properties on Baldrys Rd. This is a rhizomatous plant that thrives on the edges of woodlands, damp areas and unmanaged pastoral land. Landcare and Melbourne Water are working to eradicate it from along the banks of Splitters Creek between Baldrys Crossing and Main Creek Road but Hedge Woundwort also has been observed spreading beyond the riparian zones. The recent wet…
