Wanarra is a 107,000-hectare property in Western Australia's Avon Wheatbelt, one of the most extensively cleared ecological regions in Australia. It supports threatened species including Malleefowl and Western Spiny-tailed Skink, alongside significant woodland and wildflower communities.

Supporters are set to protect Wanarra, expanding neighbouring Charles Darwin Reserve and allowing science, knowledge and best-practice conservation to safeguard its biodiversity.

A conservation opportunity in Western Australia's Avon Wheatbelt

At the close of Western Australia’s wildflower season, when the intense heat settles in, the colours begin to fade. Vibrant fields of pink and white everlastings (Rhodanthe chlorocephala) and wreath flowers (Lechenaultia macrantha) become golden.

Seeds fall, scatter in the wind and lie dormant, ready to germinate and bloom anew after winter rain.

“In summer, one might think that the wildflowers are dead and withered. Really, it’s part of their regeneration.”

– Fiamma Riviera, Bush Heritage ecologist

“Wildflowers hold massive ecological importance,” explains Fiamma. “They flood life into a landscape, attracting butterflies, bees and other insects, which in turn attract foraging birds and reptiles. There are many species, which makes documenting them challenging.”

A challenge that Fiamma will take on if Wanarra becomes Bush Heritage's newest reserve. At 107,000 hectares, it lies on the lands of the Widi Mob and Badimia People of the Yamatji Nation, about three hours south-east of Geraldton.

One of many native wildflower species at Wanarra.

The importance of protection in the Avon Wheatbelt

“The southern half of Wanarra is what Western Australia’s Avon Wheatbelt would have looked like before it became some of the most extensively cleared native vegetation on the planet.”

– Fiamma Riviera, Bush Heritage ecologist

Today, only around 4% of that region is under formal protection, making it vitally important to protect Wanarra’s remnant stands of York Gum (Eucalyptus loxophleba), Salmon Gum (Eucalyptus salmonophloia) and Gimlet Gum (Eucalyptus salubris).

Thankfully, Wanarra was never extensively cleared to produce crops, pasture or wheat. Its land-use history contrasts sharply in the wider region. This includes the current landholder’s decision to remove sheep and goats a decade ago, which has helped retain habitat for the vulnerable Malleefowl (Leipoa ocellata) and endangered Western Spiny-tailed Skink (Egernia stokesii badia).

It also preserved remarkable levels of endemism. For Fiamma, this means Wanarra is full of puzzles to solve.

What's in the name 'Wanarra'?

On one visit with the current landholder, they investigated a curious group of trees, that had been marked “Wanarra” on an old hand-drawn map of the property. After inspecting the age-old eucalypts, the duo identified them as Eucalyptus arctata, or Narrow-leaved Sandplain Mallee.

We still don't know where the name Wanarra originates from; however, by identifying other features on the map, the team concluded that the term must be referring to this group of trees.

They suggested it could be the traditional name for the species, or an old common name. This will need further research and collaboration, but it's a start and, an example of the rich botanical and cultural stories held in the landscape.

Expanding Charles Darwin Reserve

Building on the legacy set by those who enabled us to begin work in the area through our protection of the neighbouring Charles Darwin Reserve, the opportunity to manage Wanarra would allow us to care for a total of 175,000 hectares as one.

We would be able to apply lessons from our management of Charles Darwin Reserve at Wanarra, particularly in regard to the control of introduced species.

Building climate resilience

“Climate change remains an overarching challenge,” Fiamma says. “Yet Wanarra holds important advantages: it has been destocked for more than a decade, its ecological processes remain largely intact, and its diversity provides options for species under stress.

“If we can reduce other pressures and protect it at scale, it has a much stronger chance of withstanding droughts and heatwaves.”

Even enduring wildflower cycles are shifting under a changing climate. Thankfully, their protection at Wanarra could be made possible because of our supporters. Then, it will be up to us to make sure their quiet, resilient rhythms continue for the long term.

We gratefully acknowledge those supporters that have already shared in our landscape-scale vision for Wanarra and Charles Darwin Reserve, and we offer particular thanks to those who committed lead donations to protect them forever.