The June field trip was to Baldivis Children’s Forest, a small reserve of 49 ha on Old Mandurah Road. The reserve features tuart woodland and the Conservation Category Wetland, Outridge Swamp. The reserve was previously part of an agricultural pasture block and has been restored to its current state through a significant rehabilitation effort since 2000 involving the planting of in excess of 22,000 seedlings. A large stock of seedlings is currently on site for planting during the coming months. It has an important community education role and facilities such as an amphitheatre and picnic area have been established to accommodate visits by school groups. More details of the reserve and ongoing projects are available at Baldivis Children’s Forest website.

A group of nine members attended our walk through the reserve on an overcast morning, though fortunately there was no rain. Our walk started at the amphitheatre on top of the ridge and headed down hill towards the east through replanted areas. A variety of local species have been planted such as Tuarts, Banksias, and Grevilleas. At the base of the hill we entered the Outridge Swamp, where the dominant vegetation changed to wetland species such as Swamp Paperbark (Melaleuca raphiophylla) and Melaleuca teretifolia. Fungi were present on the fallen timber, mainly GoldenWood and Gold Bracket.

After passing through the swamp we made our way back up to the amphitheatre along another track along the northern fence line. Bird sightings were low in both species and numbers. Sightings included Galah, Little Corella, Australian Ringneck, Red-capped parrot, Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike, Australian Magpie, Grey Fantail, Raven, Scarlet Robin and Silvereye. There is a White-bellied Sea Eagle nest in a large tree near the reserve boundary that is regularly used by a mating pair, however, neither bird was present during our visit.

Grey Kangaroos were noticed amongst the woodland. Plants in flower included Parrot Bush (Banksia sessilis), one of the Leucopogon species and Honey Bush (Hakea Lissocarpha). A Pink Funk fungus was spotted high up on a Tuart trunk.

After a cuppa and snack we spent a bit of time watering the potted seedlings before leaving for home. It had been a very enjoyable morning.

Colin Prickett