Leader: Bill Sampson, Secretary, Guildford Upper-Loddon Landcare
Guildford Upper-Loddon Landcare (GULL) has invited our club to undertake an excursion along their proposed Nature Trail on the Loddon River and the Big Tree, an ancient Biyal (Red Gum) in Guildford. The purpose of the excursion is to harness our expertise in a survey of the flora and fauna to assist in promoting the walk and developing it in sympathy with its potential.
Bill will give us some background on the fauna that have been seen along this stretch of the Loddon including platypus and Galaxias. He has a good bird list already with several birds of prey that enjoy the thermals from the steep side of the nearby lookout. He will also point out the challenges e.g. weeds and future development of the local ‘village’. The eventual plan is to extend the trail up the river and through Crown Land to the Guildford Lookout – thus providing the opportunity to establish a broader type of habitat and an important wildlife corridor.
We look forward to exploring this wonderful natural asset and adding to the knowledge of its natural values.
GULL will kindly provide afternoon tea (including GF options) at the end of our walk, just bring your chair!
Meet: for car-pooling and 1.30pm departure at the northern end of the car park, north of the Railway Goods Shed, Kennedy St. Castlemaine.
Or meet at 1.45pm near the Loddon River, at the far western end of Havelock Street, Guildford (i.e. at the opposite end of the road that leads up to the Guildford Lookout) (Google Maps).
Look out for our banners.
Bring: water, snacks, clean sturdy shoes, chairs.
Please note: excursions may be altered or cancelled due to weather or other exceptional factors. Check our website the day before the excursion in case there is a change (www.castlemainefieldnaturalists.org.au).