Monday, September 13, 2010

2010 Bush to Beach Walk Photos and Reflections

We had a great turnout despite the clouds, rain, and cold wind.

Thanks Phil for suggesting the photo! Thanks also to Robyn for taking it.
A wonderful display of orchids and wildflowers greeted us as we entered the bushland, including this spider orchid just beside the path.
Further along we came across the blue lechanaultia in the former POW camp site.

Adjacent to the blue lechanaultia was a blue lady orchid (Thelymitra crinita) (not yet in flower).
Also nearby to the blue lechanaultia was a patch of Blue Squill (thanks Marg for identifying it for me) (Chamaescilla corymbosa). The flowers should open soon.
After leaving Shenton Bushland we headed South to a very warm reception at Hollywood Reserve and a welcome morning tea. Thank you Trish and the Friends of Hollywood! At one point I noticed everyone pointing up into a tree ... what could it be?
When I got close enough I found Marg photographing a Tawny Frogmouth (thanks for the correction Les) in the tree.
(Thanks Marg for the photo)
Revived and refreshed we headed off to Lake Claremont. Where Heidi and Jane showed us around and gave us background information about the wetland and its history.
Making our way around the edge of the lake we went out onto the bird hide out in the lake.
Looking down from the hide we could see Long Necked Tortoises.
(Thanks Marg for the photo)
 We continued around the lake admiring the bird life ...
(Thanks Marg for the photo)
Eventually got to the spot where the Friends of Lake Claremont were busy with their work - they have been very busy this winter with thousands of plants planted and fenced off ...
It was great to relax in the sun and contemplate all that we had seen... and plan our walk for next year.

Friday, September 3, 2010

2010 Bush to Beach Walk Guides

Please download and print off copies of your walk guide before the walk:

Guide to the 2010 Bush to Beach Walk (route and walk information) - if you experience difficulties with Google Docs then try this link.

Guide to Shenton Bushland section (information about wildflowers and other things to look out for) - if you experience difficulties with Google Docs then try this link.

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Update on Bush to Beach Walk.

 Start and end times and locations

  • Meet at the Grace Vaughan House car park at 8.30am for registration.
  • The walk ends at Lake Claremont at approximately 1pm. 
  • You are welcome to stay and enjoy a picnic lunch at Lake Claremont.

What we provide

The walk is free. We provide:
  • interpretive information sheets and guidance for the walk.
  • muffins (gold coin donation to bushland friends groups) at the morning tea stop at Hollywood Reserve
  • sausage sizzle at Lake Claremont
  • walk organisation
You are responsible for:
  • transport to the starting point and home from the end point. Both of these points are close to the Perth-Fremantle railway line.

    Things to bring

    • sun/rain protection depending on the weather - it could be sunny, or rainy - we will walk in any weather - so check the forecast and come prepared.
    • lunch (if you don't eat sausage) (we will end up at Lake Claremont around 1pm)
    • thermos with hot drinks - we can transport it for you to the morning tea stop at Hollywood and the lunch stop at Lake Claremont

    Shenton Bushland

    We will do a loop of Shenton Bushland first - there are quite a few impacts from the March hailstorm still visible - and quite a few orchids and other wildflowers to view.

    View 2010 Bush to Beach walk through Shenton Bushland in a larger map

    Hollywood Reserve

    The Friends of Hollywood Reserve are having a work day on Sunday 12th, so we will be dropping in to see how they are going.

    From Dairy Farm to Occupational therapy centre for war veterans  and now bushland,    Hollywood Reserve, in the heart of the City of Nedlands, is the only remaining area of natural bushland in the Hollywood Ward.  This 6.5 hectare Reserve is situated between Smyth Road and Karella Street, with Karrakatta Cemetery on the other borders.  It is close to Hollywood Primary School.

    Since 1976 many attempts have been made to take away this beautiful area and give it to Karrakatta cemetery.  In 1996 the site was declared an “A” Class Reserve and the Friends of Hollywood Reserve Inc. was formed.

    There are over 200 species of flora in the area which include large Jarrah, Tuarts, Banksia, many different species of orchids and a few plants on the endangered list.  Over 20 species of birds have so far been identified, including Tawny Frogmouths and Southern Boobook owls that nest in the Reserve.  There are a variety of reptiles, and Bats are being encouraged to use the Bat Boxes in an effort to cut down on the Mosquitoes.

    The Lawn area is used by Petanque players twice a month and children’s Birthday Parties are often held.  People from the village and hospital often sit in the bush to enjoy the peace and the singing of the birds.

    The Friends hold  working Bees on the 2nd Sunday of each month from April to November inclusive, 9 am to noon.   An excellent morning tea is served at 10.30 am.  A small Committee keeps in touch with the Council Bush-care Officer and the Chief Executive Officer of the Council.  All helpers are welcome, even for an hour or less-  since 1996  a lot of fun has been  had by all, many new friendships forged and it is  a good way to get to know your neighbours. 

    The Friends Group are eager to recruit new (and younger)members to help.

    For further information call 9386.4476  or 9386.1952.