It’s rare to find such large areas of critically endangered Black Gum forest these days and we’re very lucky to be able to add this missing piece to connect up our Oura Oura and Drys Bluff Reserves.
When Judith and Laurie purchased the property 20 years ago, they held regular working bees to eradicate weeds such as ragwort, foxgloves and thistles. The working bees had a huge impact on the property and the Buddhist community. The work paid off and during a pre-purchase survey by myself and Bush Heritage ecologist Nick Fitzgerald, just one lone foxglove plant was found - testament to a committed group of volunteers.
Prior to Laurie and Judith purchasing the property, Bob Brown who founded Bush Heritage on this site 30 years ago, and resided for many years at Oura Oura, recalls meeting with the former owner, a local saw-miller who had planned to clear-fell the site.