We hope that you’re feeling a bit fitter, calmer, well nourished and more informed in the wrap up of the Biodiversity Around Busselton walk.

Thank you to Vivian for her welcome to country out in the bush, and to our other special guests, Rod and Bronwyn. They each shared so much about the plants, geology and culture of this region.

Then there were our generous hosts, Ailsa and John, and Ian, who shared their paddocks, wildlife and big open skies with us all.

What a privilege to be able to camp on the edge of the wetlands and then in the hills in ironstone country.

Spring turned on the flowers without too much rain. So much colour and so many flowers that were new to many of us. What a treat!

As many walkers commented, it’s easy to drive through Busselton and see the urbanisation and growth without knowing how much untouched bush beauty the area still holds.

Highlights of our first camp included:

  • Camping by the wetlands with few mozzies and lots of black swans. What a treat to have a peaceful lush property to share with so many birds.
  • A walk from camp to the Ludlow Forest Restoration Village. This inspiring group of volunteers have planted many thousands of Tuart trees since 19702 and the bad old days of pine forests.
  • A guided orchid and wildflower walk through the fenced Minninup Block. The block has been cared for by Bronwyn, her family and other volunteers for many years and was a wonderful reminder of the diversity of flora that can’t compete with the arum lilies.

Next, we travelled just 30 km to the ironstone hills of the Mott’s property.

  • Ian treated us to a farm tour where we learned about making biochar, fed the bulls and ambled along one of his year-round creeks.
  • Rod walked and talked us around the Ambergate Reserve with so much to share about local history and the abundant plant life.

We are all a little wiser about just how diverse our down-south plant life really is. Between wetlands, ironstone and the Whicher Range there were delights to find and enjoy every day.

A special shout out to all our old and new walkers, and our steadfast volunteers. Where would we be without you? At home on the couch!

For more photos, go to the Photo Gallery.