Leader: Cathrine Harboe-Ree
The Mount Alexander region is generally quite dry, but Chewton residents Mikael and Helle Hirsch have transformed a dry, weedy paddock of about one hectare into a biodiverse wetland in a remarkably short period of time. Drawing on the expertise of local ecologist Karl Just and others, and making use of a natural spring supplemented with bore water, their landscaper has created four deep, connected ponds, made small hills, brought in rocks, created paths and a bridge over Wattle Creek. Since then, the Hirsch’s have done extensive planting, released native fish and rabbit-proofed the area, amongst other things. The wetland is already attracting frogs, butterflies and birds, and there are plans to keep developing the site to support greater biodiversity.
Meet: at the northern end of the Car Park north of the Railway Goods Shed, Kennedy St, Castlemaine for a prompt 1.30pm departure (car-pooling as much as possible) or go straight to the property at 562 Pyrenees Highway, follow the driveway past the wetland right up to the house where there is plenty of parking, for a 1.45pm start.
Bring: Water, snacks, clean sturdy shoes, chairs and afternoon tea.