Spring in the Liffey Valley

The sound of Currawongs is echoing across the Liffey Valley. Snow has fallen on the Western Tiers, prompting the birds to soar down from the mountains, their loud raucous calls evocative of misty moorlands that lie beyond the crags of Drys Bluff.

Heavy snow on the Western Tiers is a reminder that spring in Tasmania is full of surprises.

It's still a chilly 6°C in Liffey Valley as I write this. Heavy rain a few days ago caused the Liffey River to burst its banks, and strong gusts of wind have left a trail of devastation with trees blown over and branches and debris scattered across the landscape. But today it’s a place of peace, and from my view across the valley I see Supurb Fairywrens and Flame Robins enjoying the spring sunshine.

I'm using Bob Brown’s desk in the house at Oura Oura. This is the birthplace of Bush Heritage, and on days like today it’s not hard to imagine why. The power of nature is all around – the towering cliffs of Drys Bluff above, and the vast forests on the edge of a wilderness that extends all the way to the southern coasts of Tasmania.

Spring is a busy time – clearing fallen branches and trees from our tracks, removing the weeds that are now appearing and making a start on building maintenance.

But I can’t think of a more inspiring workplace. Our Liffey reserves protect forests backing onto the 1.58 million hectare Tasmanian World Heritage Area.

We're setting up Oura Oura as a place for all to enjoy, and I'm doing my bit to share the magic of the Liffey valley, for today and for future generations.

If you’d like to find out about our exciting plans for community engagement and visitor facilities at Oura Oura, contact me at [email protected].

And to volunteer at Liffey, contact [email protected].