By KATHRYN BERMINGHAM
IN a rapidly developing area, 170 hectares of natural bushland is a precious rarity.
So much so that a group of neighbours of the Beaconsfield Nature Conservation Reserve (BNCR) is looking to from a friends group to allow greater access to the area.
The reserve was originally established as a water storage reservoir with a closed catchment, with an extensive perimeter of bushland to restrict access. It boasts a lake and wetlands as well as masses of orchids and other native flora and fauna.
Its management is in the hands of the Cardinia Environment Coalition, which was given the responsibility on behalf of the Victorian Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning.
The coalition regularly hosts activities including working bees, and opens up the area to groups and individuals upon request.
Local Paul Higgott is working to establish a friends group that would open up the park on a regular basis for small groups.
He believes that family or special interest nature groups would benefit from the chance to explore the area, and is looking for about 10 volunteers who would form the group.
Coalition president Elizabeth Fraser has welcomed the idea and said that the group would have the full support of the BNCR.
As part of an effort to educate locals on the many attributes of the Reserve, the coalition will host a local historian to talk about its history.
“The BNCR has quite a fascinating history but we want to know more,” she said.
“We are lucky to have local historian and author John Waterhouse coming to our annual meeting on 25 November to tell us about the story of the Naval Base Water Scheme and the Beaconsfield Reservoir.”
Anyone interested in hearing John’s talk or joining the friends should register by calling 5941 8446 or cec@dcsi.net.au
