Bush Block Guardian’s Property at 372 Morrison Road, Westonia

Main Club, All Branches, 23 – 29 August 2025

Warralakin Farm was purchased by the Bush Blocks Guardians (BBG) in 2021. BBG is an incorporated non-profit conservation group presently revegetating this property. Previous owners had attempted cropping, which had failed. 

We had been invited by BBG member and Naturalists’ Club member Beth Schultz to the property to assist with flora surveys. 

Club members present were excursion leader Jolanda Keeble, Rob and Maureen Skeet, Terri and Kim Richardson and Joan and Rob Sharpe.

Coincident with our presence, a group comprising BBG Committee members Peter Ewing, Sam Lostrom, and Andy McCreery, along with Kis Heiner and Heidi Nore, was engaged in bird surveying. Botanist Kelli McCreery and Jolanda collaborated on the quadrats Kelli had set up.

These people stayed in the farmhouse while most of us camped in an open shed. This had not been our intention, but the weather on the first few days was wintery, windy, wild and wet! The Richardsons braved the conditions in the open.

Rob Skeet had made an excellent brazier out of a repurposed large gas canister, which set the scene for convivial evening times together over dinner.

Several of us accepted the hosts’ hospitality later in the evening to share stories around the log fire.

We spent the days exploring the various habitats as well as accompanying Peter Ewing on some favourite walks, including granite outcrops, one of which showed curious weathering (known as Mogote) and evidence of Aboriginal significance, such as rocks present which were not typical of the area, as well as seeking out target plant species, led by Jolanda (listed below).

• At the BBG property: Acacia ascendens (P2), Melaleuca sciotostyla (T), Acacia lobulata (T), and
• At Chiddarcoopong Nature Reserve: Philotheca langei (P2), Grevillea minutiflora (P1) species and Darwinia sp. Chiddarcooping (P4).
• Orchids were flowering in most places we visited, with the Clown Orchid (Caladenia roei), Sugar Orchid (Ericksonella saccharata) and red and cream forms of the Chameleon Orchid (Caladenia dimidia) most commonly seen.

A total of 94 flora species were identified.

We visited the adjoining Chiddarcooping Nature Reserve on a quest for Philotheca langei (P1). It is locally abundant, particularly in regrowth along the track.

The bird-banders demonstrated their efficient, careful bird handling, and morphological observations such as species, age, sex and general condition. Birds netted included Red-capped Robin, White-fronted Honeyeater, Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater and three White-browed Babbler together.

A total of 48 bird species were heard/seen.

On the last day at the property, the Skeets collected three huge bags of discarded aluminium cans and received $65 for this, which they donated to the BBG cause.

Jolanda’s report of the excursion, including flora and bird lists, has been filed in the Club’s archive. A very worthwhile trip!  Thank you, Jolanda and all.

This newsletter report is compiled from all participants’ daily write-ups and photos.

All images by Jolanda Keeble