Bush Heritage (BH) is a leading conservation not for profit in Australia – “healthy country protected forever” is their byline. BH purchases and then restores and protects natural landscapes. They have 1,460,000 hectares (over 40 reserves) in their reserve network and 1,600 volunteers!!!
Recently two Nannas – Anne and Claudia, volunteered at Tarcutta Hills Reserve (738ha) assisting Ecologist Renee and Reserve Manager Kelly prepare a site for data collection.
Tarcutta Hills Reserve, between Yass and Albury NSW, is typical of the places BH purchase and save. They are restoring to health a remnant of a grassy white box woodland which was once part of a network covering some 10 million hectares and provides precious habitat for red-necked wallabies, swamp wallabies, wombats, possums and even swift parrots and three species of gliders!
“While we didn’t see any gliders, we were treated to sighting an owlet-nightjar on an evening spotlighting walk,” said Nanna Claudia.
“I am so proud working in an organisation that has a commitment to collaboration with the traditional custodians of this land,” said Renee.
All staff work closely with the traditional custodians – the Wiradjuri people.
Volunteers are relied on for a wide variety of tasks – weed control, fence removal (internal) and maintenance (boundary), ecological surveying and tree planting are common. They also offer various volunteering jobs that can be done from the comfort of your home. Volunteers are generally self-sufficient (some accommodation is available) providing their own food, etc. Tools are supplied.
“What a wonderful four days. I learnt heaps, was outside in the bush all day listening to the birds, surrounded by wildlife, working with like-minded fun people, and feeling like I was DOING something useful,” said Nanna Anne.
The roughly 200 staff and property purchases are mainly funded by donations and bequests with a smaller amount coming from grants.