WINTER 2021 NL 66 - Tasmanian Land Conservancy
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WINTER 2021
NL 66
Kelvedon Hills detail. Photo: Andy Townsend
Building strong and enduring to purchase and protect Kelvedon eucalypt woodland and arriving at
relationships with landholders is Hills. This once-in-a-generation a well-stoked campfire with fresh
at the core of the Tasmanian Land opportunity is testament to the baked scones and billy brewed tea
Conservancy’s efforts to protect confidence and trust put in the TLC to share stories, knowledge and
nature across Tasmania. Private by the Cotton family, allowing us connections was a real treat and
landholders are the custodians of to become the future custodians something I am deeply grateful for.
some of the most important areas of this ecologically rich and iconic
It has been an incredibly busy field
for nature conservation in this state. landscape. We thank Jack, Anna
season across all our programs and
From the last remaining lowland and Edward for the opportunity
in this newsletter, you will hear
native grasslands in the Midlands and legacy that such a substantial
more about how we are working
to the depleted blue gum forest reserve will create.
with landholders across the state
of the east coast, these important
One of the most rewarding aspects through the Land for Wildlife
habitats support many of our rare
of working at the TLC is connecting program, the giant freshwater
and threatened species. Finding
with people and places. Thank you to crayfish partnership project with
pathways to conservation for these
all who attended our Prosser River Cradle Coast Authority as well as
areas is key to ensure the very
Discovery Day on 8 May, and those the ecological burning program at
elements of Tasmania’s uniqueness,
that shared their knowledge and Rubicon Sanctuary.
its natural places, are conserved
expertise with the TLC community. James Hattam
for the future.
Walking with TLC supporters out of Chief Executive Officer
We are thrilled to announce our the Back River valley, climbing the
latest reserve acquisition campaign ridgeline through the most exquisite
HIGHLIGHTS
Scarlet robin. Photo: Andy Townsend Bob Graham telling stories the Discovery Day. Photo: Eddie Safarik Flying duck orchid (Caleana major). Photo: Andy Townsend
Page 2 Page 3 Page 5
Be part of protecting Kelvedon Hills, It was a grand day out at Prosser A planned burn helps orchids thrive
home to wonderful woodland bird River Reserve. at Rubicon Sanctuary.
communities.
PROTECTING
KELVEDON HILLS
The Meredith River, Kelvedon Hills. Photo: Andy Townsend
Bounded by rivers and building populations of rare and threatened Hills is part of the 5,000 ha Kelvedon
connections across the landscape, Barber’s gum (Eucalyptus barberi) and Estate, which has been in the Cotton
Kelvedon Hills is a property of size warty paperbark (Melaleuca pustulata). family for generations. Initially the
and substance. Healthy, diverse site of successful Hereford studs and
This habitat has the potential
communities of plants and animals superfine merino wool growing, in
to support at least 40 rare and
have been supported through decades 1998 the property diversified into
threatened species, as well as many
of care from previous stewards – cool-climate viticulture, with the
of our iconic animals. The Australian
protecting them into the future will Cottons planting one hectare of
grayling is a small native fish whose
make Kelvedon Hills a keystone of pinot grapes that became the
range has contracted significantly
conservation in Tasmania. foundation of the very successful
in recent decades – conditions
Kelvedon Estate Label.
Just south of Swansea on Tasmania’s for its survival are perfect in the
picturesque east coast, Kelvedon rivers of Kelvedon Hills. The blue Current owner Jack Cotton and
Hills’ 1,300 ha lies between the gum forests provide significant his daughter Anna are dedicated
Meredith and Stoney rivers. Rolling nesting and foraging habitat for the to combining agriculture and
hills of grassy woodland and forest nationally endangered swift parrot conservation, and the TLC has
extend back into the Great Eastern and the grassy woodlands are home been working with the family for
Tiers, providing a critical link to other to Forester kangaroos. While these more than a decade, supporting
protected areas for the many species kangaroos are more common on the conservation management on other
that live here. mainland, where they are known as land in the area. We are very grateful
eastern greys, in Tasmania they are for the trust and confidence the
As a reserve, Kelvedon Hills will
rarely seen, reduced to less than Cotton family has shown in the TLC
take its place among 3,500 ha of
15% of their range at the time of in allowing us to become stewards
contiguous private reserves in this
European settlement. of part of this property.
landscape, creating a critical corridor
of protected areas along the east Across the property, there is intact To find out more about this beautiful,
coast. Ecosystems will be protected habitat for masked owls, wedge- iconic and extensive property, visit
from the TLC’s nearby Little Swanport tailed and white-bellied sea eagles, tasland.org.au/reserves/kelvedon-hills
and Prosser River Reserves to Tasmanian devils and spotted-tailed
additional existing private reserves and eastern quolls.
along Kelvedon Hills’ boundaries.
Adding this piece of the jigsaw creates
Kelvedon Hills is also an important GIVE
area for the ongoing protection of
a network that gives species space to Help us protect important
woodland bird communities. While
move in a shifting climate. habitat at Kelvedon Hills
we hear a lot about swift parrots
Wet gullies and river valleys have and forty-spotted pardalotes, there by visiting tasland.org.au/
provided refuge for tree species that are many other species reliant on donate-now or calling the
are suffering elsewhere. Kelvedon these kinds of landscapes: flame office on 03 6225 1399.
Hills’ extensive eucalypt forest is robins, spotted quail-thrush, painted Every dollar donated to
predominantly threatened blue gum button quail and eastern rosellas, for protect Kelvedon Hills will
(Eucalyptus globulus), with large, example. be matched dollar-for-
healthy old-growth stands present in dollar by the Elsie Cameron
At the TLC we pride ourselves on
the gullies and south-facing slopes Foundation up to $1m.
working alongside landholders to
of the hills. There are also extensive
achieve conservation. Kelvedon
2
DISCOVERY DAY
Sharnie Read talks about the Aboriginal heritage of the Prosser catchment. Photo: Eddie Safarik
The morning of 8 May dawned clear of apple, while bigger kids were working that as a reserve, Kelvedon Hills will
and crisp as 50 carloads of keen TLC together to plan and execute a zip line become part of a network of protected
supporters rolled into the Prosser River between two trees. areas stretching from Little Swanport
Reserve. After a quick foot-bathe to stop through Prosser River and across to the
the spread of fungus into the property, CEO James Hattam led a hearty group
Freycinet Peninsula. This is conservation
everyone was meeting up with their team up a steep hill to a high ridgeline, where
at a scale that can protect species and
leaders and heading off on the first of the neighbour Bob Graham, who has lived in
habitat even as we head into an uncertain
day’s activities. the area for decades, gave an insight into
climate future. To tell that story while
life along the Prosser. Not only has Bob
standing amid important ecosystems
After 2020’s restrictions on events, it felt seen ten of Tasmania’s twelve endemic
protected by the forethought and
particularly special to meet with so many birds on his property (he’s still holding
dedication of the McGregor family,
other nature lovers and to provide an in- out hope of one day sighting a forty-
reminded everyone how important all
depth look at one of our newest reserves. spotted pardalote), he also once lugged
our contributions are to protecting
Prosser River Reserve was made possible the Christmas shopping five miles by
nature over the decades and centuries
by a very generous bequest from David foot when a summer flood stopped him
to come. It was a heartening thought to
and Jean McGregor, and during the day driving home from town. Bob’s yarns were
take away from an inspiring day.
we got to see many of its beautiful accompanied by date and sultana scones,
whipped up by volunteer Vicki Campbell This trip was a great reminder that the
features, from the Back River valley
and cooked over coals by caterer TLC's reserves are settings for all kind
grasslands to the blue-gum-clothed high
extraordinaire (and the organising force of activity. Purchasing and protecting
ridges and the open woodlands along the
behind the Discovery Day), Phill Laroche. a habitat is the part often talked about,
wide Prosser River.
but creating a reserve involves building
The Back River valley hosted the science Down on the Prosser River banks, relationships with neighbours, attending
team’s conservation science workshops, mycologists Julie Fielder and Grace to cultural heritage, undertaking
giving supporters hands-on experience of Boxshall, uncovered the fungal web that scientific research and monitoring and
monitoring and managing TLC reserves links the forest together and gives trees sometimes, just walking around and
to support their natural values. While Joe a pathway to exchange resources and being part of nature. Thank you to all the
Quarmby gave an insight into identifying messages with one another. Magnifying volunteers who helped throughout the
eucalypt species and explained how lenses in hand, supporters spotted and day and without whom we could not run
seedlings are flourishing now sheep have identified fascinating fungi, while Grace events like this, and thank you to all our
been removed from the property, Rowena uncovered a species she suspects is new supporters who came along.
Hamer was helping supporters devise to science. In a clearing nearby, Sharnie
Jane Rawson
plans for animal monitoring and set their Read from the Tasmanian Aboriginal
Communications Coordinator
own traps (using homegrown chilies for Centre told stories from the history of
devil bait was an interesting twist!), and the Payintaymirimina band of the Oyster
Glen Bain and Catherine Young were Bay tribe. Sharnie’s storytelling was
spell-binding and her invitation to adorn
exploring the reserve’s bird life.
ourselves with ochre gathered from the ACT
Among the waist-high (or head-high to region was a highlight for many. Want to make sure you never
a preschooler) clumps of lomandra, Kara miss out on future fun? Sign up
To top off a spectacular day out, the
Spence from ‘Nature. Be in It.’ was helping for news updates at tasland.org.
campaign to protect Kelvedon Hills was
groups of kids explore the reserve at their au/subscribe-to-our-newsletter
launched at lunch time. Standing on the
own pace. Toddlers were busily absorbed,
Back River banks, James Hattam explained
punching star-shaped holes into slices
3
GIANT
FRESHWATER
CRAYFISH
Giant freshwater crayfish. Photo: Ryan Francis
The giant freshwater crayfish Their habitat consists of shaded
(Astacopsis gouldi) is the largest pools, cobblestones, woody debris, LAND FOR WILDLIFE
freshwater invertebrate and undercut banks with overhanging
crustacean in the world and only lives native vegetation; that is, rivers in good As Covid restrictions have eased,
in the northern rivers of Tasmania. condition that have experienced little our Land for Wildlife (LFW) program
Unfortunately, this species is disturbance or modification. Loss of has really ramped up. Over the past
threatened and listed as vulnerable claws when fighting for resources and couple of months LFW Coordinator,
under both the Environment during mating is common and females Shaun Thurstans, has been hitting
Protection and Biodiversity lay hundreds of eggs at a time which the road, both signing up LFW
Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) they carry under their tail for nine assessors and visiting potential
and the Tasmanian Threatened Species months of gestation, so life in the river LFW properties.
Protection Act 1995. is challenging! There’s been so much enthusiasm
Formerly found in all rivers flowing With Fiona Marshall from Cradle around Tasmania for the LFW program
into Bass Strait from Arthur River Coast Authority and crayfish expert, that Shaun simply can’t manage to
visit all the prospective properties
and east across northern Tasmania, Todd Walsh, the TLC is working on a
himself, so instead he’s been training
giant freshwater crayfish are now project to protect habitat for known
volunteers to get out to farms and
much harder to track down. There populations of giant freshwater crayfish
bush blocks in every corner of the
have been localised extinctions in the northwest of Tasmania. This state. We now have six volunteers
and large declines in populations project is supported by funding from who are expert in assessing natural
due to many years of overfishing, the Australian Government’s National values and giving advice on how
illegal fishing, loss of habitat due Landcare Program and works with best to manage your property
to vegetation clearing, livestock in landholders who have giant freshwater to encourage wildlife. Thanks to
rivers, sedimentation from mining crayfish habitat on their land. The everyone who has been through the
and logging, river straightening and focus is on protecting long reaches of process – you’re a remarkable bunch!
removal of instream wood and stones. river with connected habitat. Cradle
During March, Shaun came close
This degradation has been profound in Coast Authority offers funded projects
to circumnavigating Tasmania as he
some rivers, such as the Ringarooma for fencing, revegetation and weed
caught up on the backlog of property
and Brid, and without good active control while TLC provides conservation owners who’d registered their interest
management the population will covenants to eligible properties to during Covid restrictions. Among the
continue to drop. protect giant freshwater crayfish many fabulous properties he visited,
habitat in perpetuity. some standouts were a forest enclave
Crayfish are slow to grow – a 13-year-
old giant freshwater crayfish may only Information sessions in 2020 were amid a logged landscape in the
be 6-7 inches long – and they can live restricted by Covid, but this year 40 north-west, where a group of seven
for 60 years, growing larger all the participants came to a field day on the young friends had got together to
time. Large giant freshwater crayfish protect wildlife and make a space for
Inglis River where we visited project
their future dreams, and a creekside
weigh in at 2-3kg, though historical sites, learned about habitat, met
property near Boat Harbour, where
sources say they were found at 6kg. some juvenile and adult crayfish, and
giant freshwater crayfish and spotted-
They have a small home range within heard about how covenants work for tailed quolls were making their homes
their part of the river but occasionally conservation of the species. alongside a couple who had moved
move across land to new habitat up to down from NSW.
Helen Morgan, TLC Conservation
a couple of kilometres away.
Programs Ecologist
4
BURNING FOR
ORCHIDS
A successful ecological burn. Photo: Leigh Walters Sun orchid (Thelymitra spp). Photo: Phill Laroche
In a farming landscape, Rubicon monitoring has shown that both grazing by native herbivores and
Sanctuary is an oasis of heathy species of orchids respond well rabbits. This sounds simple, but first
woodland and seasonal wetlands. to fire, which opens up the wet we have to find all the orchids: rumour
The almost 20 ha property near heathland and provides additional has it the metal detector may be called
Squeaking Point supports a range of space for the orchids to flourish. on to track down the metallic discs the
threatened species; it was the first individual orchids were labelled with.
We know these threatened species
property sold for conservation under TLC is also investigating banking marsh
respond well to early autumn burns
TLC’s Revolving Fund in 2007. There leek-orchid seed with the Tasmanian
when the orchids are dormant
are over 60 terrestrial orchid species Seed Conservation Centre for
below ground, just before their leaf
here, five of which are threatened, potential use in future conservation
emerges. The ideal situation is when
including the critically endangered projects.
there has been rainfall to dampen
marsh leek-orchid (Prasophyllum
down the soil, followed by drying Of course, Rubicon is not just home
limnetes) that occurs nowhere else.
weather to remove moisture out to orchids, and our planning and
This orchid is named after the
of the vegetation. It is a balancing management must take account
habitat where it occurs (marsh or
act: not so dry and hot that it burns of other species' diverse needs.
‘limno’ – lakes/bodies of freshwater,
down into the soils, but not so wet Threatened plants such as the wrinkled
-etes – ‘one who is’) and for its
that fire won’t carry! We also had to dollybush (Cassinia rugata), swamp
single leek-like or onion-like leaf.
check the long-term forecast and wallaby grass (Amphibromus neesii)
Some people believe the best way to ensure there wasn’t a strong and star clubsedge (Isolepis stellata)
support nature is to let it take care El Nino weather pattern in the are also found on the property, and
of itself. But orchids don't always coming spring, as the orchids would have benefited from this intensive
respond to that approach: they likely be negatively affected by the management. We hope our ongoing
flourish when disturbed. Rubicon’s lack of water. monitoring will show they continue to
previous owners, Phil Collier and flourish at Rubicon.
In March this year, the weather gods
Robin Garnett, actively managed the
were surprisingly kind, offering a Thank you to Rubicon's volunteer
land with fire and other disturbance
large fall of rain (20 mm) to the caretaker Alison Roach for helping the
and set up a detailed flora monitoring
parched system to dampen the TLC team prepare for this burn.
system. The information they
earth, then drying winds and a single
gathered over a decade provides a Cath Dickson
dry day with the right weather
solid foundation for the TLC to make Conservation Management
conditions to burn in. The TLC fire
informed management choices. And and Planning Coordinator
team (gratefully assisted by a Bush
it helps us plan ecological burns –
Heritage Australia staff member)
when and how often to burn, and
was able to successfully burn the
when not to burn, such as when
two wet heathlands that are home to
species are declining or shrubs are
too small to withstand fire.
these orchids. EXPLORE
We’re now planning the 2021 Rubicon Sanctuary is home
Recent monitoring by the TLC to some of Australia’s rarest
spring monitoring for the marsh
identified that the marsh leek-orchid orchids. Find out more at
leek-orchid so we can continue to
and the plum sun-orchid (Thelymitra tasland.org.au/reserves/
learn how species respond to our
mucida) were disappearing as rubicon-sanctuary
management actions. We will also
sedge thatch increased. Previous
cage orchids to protect them from
5
WHAT’S ON
Kelvedon Hills. Photo: Andy Townsend
NATURAL GUARDIANS INFORMATION PACKAGE Tasmanian Land Conservancy
Late June PO Box 2112 Lower Sandy Bay
Tasmania 7005
This year we will once again be running our Natural Guardians sessions online, Ph +61 3 6225 1399
with a multi-media package – including a beautiful new short film about the tasland.org.au
bequest that made Prosser River Reserve possible – arriving in your inbox late June. ABN 88 743 606 934
@tas_land
@taslandconservancy
VOLUNTEER WEEDING @tasland
Watch this space! Taslandconservancy
As we head into Spring we’ll have our regular Egg Islands Reserve weeding program,
followed by weeding parties to tackle Spanish heath at Tinderbox Hills Reserve BOARD MEMBERS
and some small patches of gorse that are crowding out threatened plants at
Ms Jennie Churchill (Chair)
Prosser River Reserve. If you’re a registered volunteer, keep an eye on your inbox
Mr Julian von Bibra (Vice Chair)
for these opportunities.
Mr Peter Downie
Ms Erika Korosi
Prof Ted Lefroy
Mr Mark Temple-Smith
ALCA CONFERENCE Ms Clare Bower
21-22 October Dr Ian Cresswell
Mr Stephen Atkinson
The Australian Land Conservation Alliance conference, PLC2021, will be Prof Jan McDonald
hosted by Biodiversity Conservation Trust NSW in Sydney on 21-22 October 2021. Dr Vanessa Adams
For more information and to subscribe for updates, visit alca.org.au/events
Chief Executive Officer
James Hattam
SAVE THE DATE: TLC’S 20TH BIRTHDAY
29 October
On 29 October, we’ll be meeting at Spring Bay Mill, Triabunna, to launch a book
dedicated to Tasmanians’ relationship with nature, Breathing Space, and to celebrate
20 years of the TLC. Watch your inbox for more information.
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