Welcome to Wombat Forestcare
Rufous Fantail, Rhipidura rufifrons, on nest (photograph by © Jacinda Brown)
Wombat Forestcare is a community group dedicated to protecting and enhancing the natural ecosystems of the Wombat Forest and surrounding areas.
The Wombat Forest contains a diverse range of native plants and animals, including a number that are listed as rare or threatened, such as Powerful Owl and the Wombat Bush Pea. As well as these natural values, the Wombat is a significant water catchment area, giving rise to six rivers.
Wombat Forestcare engages in a range of activities. These have a strong focus on community involvement and education, and include undertaking flora and fauna surveys, forest regeneration, and seed collection days. We also enjoy the social aspect of a forest group, with picnics and bushwalks for people who love being in the bush.
News
You, Me & Biodiversity - Koala talk
(Added: 2013-06-08)
Join Dave Mitchell, the Australian Koala Foundation's (www.savethekoala.com) Landscape Ecologist and Spatial Analyst on Saturday 22nd June, 1 - 3pm at teh Trentham Neighbourhood Centre to learn about koalas and habitat.
For an example of Dave's work see the Koala Habitat Atlas
March 2013 Newsletter is now available
(Added: 2013-03-25)
Here is our March issue which we hope you will enjoy. Our thanks go to our great contributors.
Wombat Forest and Macedon Ranges Fungi Guide
(Added: 2013-03-18)
The Wombat Forest is a hotspot for the diversity of fungi. Hundreds of species have been documented from the familiar mushroom to the more bizarre forms of those shaped like corals, cups, clubs, jellies, lattice balls and even starfish!
Wombat Forestcare is promoting the importance of this group of organisms through a new guide – ‘Fungi of the Wombat Forest and Macedon Ranges’. The guide has colour photographs of 108 of the more familiar local species as well as information about identification.
To obtain a copy of the guide either send a cheque for $6.60 to Wombat Forestcare, 715 Little Hampton Road, Glenlyon, 3461 or pay this amount into our bank account Wombat Forestcare Inc, Bendigo Bank, Account no 149488678, BSB 633 108 and email info@wombatforestcare.org.au to say you have done this. Please do not forget to include your postal details.
Visit our fungi page for great images of 102 Fungal Species of the Wombat Forest.
VNPA "Caught on Camera" Project
(Added: 2013-02-26)
We are very pleased that the VNPA is running the motion camera project again this year in partnership with WFC.
Enquiries Caitlin Griffith (VNPA) - caitling@vnpa.org.au
Water Agency decision on Wombat Forest Mine
(Added: 2013-01-11)
Wombat Forestcare welcomes the decision by Melbourne Water to require the licence holder to apply for a works licence or permit before commencing work on the proposed South Bullarto Mine.
Approved Work Plan for Bullarto South Mine Inadequate
A copy of the approved Work Plan for MIN5349 was received by Wombat Forestcare in August 2012 and fails to address concerns regarding the protection of waterways and biodiversity.
A report by the Victorian Auditor General’s Office shows that DSE & DPI fail in their protection of the environment
The report tabled on 24 October 2012 examines the Effectiveness of Compliance Activities by the Departments of Primary Industries and Sustainability and Environment.
This audit examined the effectiveness and efficiency of the Departments of Primary Industries (DPI) and Sustainability and Environment’s (DSE) compliance activities under environment, natural resources and primary industries legislation. Neither DPI nor DSE comprehensively manage, monitor or report on compliance. As a consequence, they cannot be sure that their compliance activities contribute to protecting natural resources, primary industries and the environment as the legislation intended.
David Stephens from Wombat Forestcare has prepared a Media Release - The rule of law in country Victoria is in crisis.
Link to audit summary and full report:
http://www.audit.vic.gov.au/reports_and_publications/latest_reports/2012-13/20121024-Compliance-DPI-DSE.aspx
Picnic/Walk to the Mining site in the Wombat Forest
(Added: 2012-09-10)
Thanks to Anthony Petrucci for this video of the day.
Cider House Band
FUNdraiser for Wombat Forestcare a great success
(Added: 2012-08-30)
On Sunday 26 August the Hepburn Palais rocked to great bands in aid of the Wombat Forestcare campaign to halt mining in the Wombat State Forest. Over 200 locals and visitors came with children of all ages to attend this fun family event.
Nel Staite and her brilliant team organised the day which included six bands and musicians and activities for children.
Over $1200 was raised and we send our appreciation to the Palais, all the musicians and everyone involved in making the FUNdraiser so successful. The community support has been over-whelming with so many people contributing that we cannot list them all.
Thanks also to all those who so generously donated.
Hush hush gold rush for Wombat Forest
(Added: 2012-08-10)
Wombat Forestcare has discovered that in the last three months the Department of Primary Industry (DPI) has secretly approved plans for a total of three gold mines in and around the Wombat Forest, a fourth gold mine was approved last year, and a fifth gold mine was given authority to commence in 1998 but has not yet started.
Shock as Open cut Gold Mine Secretively Approved for Wombat Forest
(Added: 2012-07-16)
A large gold mining operation has secretively been given the go ahead in the Wombat State Forest; 2km south of the Bullarto township, in the headwaters of the Heritage listed Lerderderg River.
Here are some things that you can do that will make a difference.
You may also find what you want on the Maps and Resources page.
Brush-tailed Phascogale, Phascogale tapoatafa
Exciting find in the Wombat Forest
(Added: 2012-05-10)
A beautiful site in the Wombat State Forest, east of Trentham and just north of the Lerderderg State Park has rewarded our motion-sensing camera team with two special sightings. Amongst the silver banksias, banksia marginata, creeping grevillea, grevillea repens and peppermints, eucalyptus radiata we have recorded two exciting species.
Conservation values of the Wombat Forest and Mount Macedon Landscape Zone
(Added: 2011-08-18)
Wombat Forestcare has received funding through The Wilderness Society’s WildCountry Small Grants Program to undertake an assessment of the conservation values of the Wombat Forest and Mount Macedon Landscape Zone.
A draft report has been prepared by Murray Ralph and we are seeking comment and any additional information about species, vegetation and ecological processes which may not have been included.
We would appreciate any comments emailed to Wombat Forestcare by Friday 16 September 2011.
Conservation values of the Mt Cole and Pyrenees landscape
Greater Glider (photo by Esther Beaton)
(Added: 2010-10-16)
Wombat Forestcare in conjunction with the Wilderness Society, Ballarat Environment Network and Bendigo District Environment Council have released a report ‘that investigates the natural heritage values of the Mount Cole and Pyrenees Range in Victoria’s central-west, and assesses current threats to the area’s wildlife and habitats.
The report was funded by the WildCountry Small Grants Program.
Make the Wombat Forest a State Park
Protect it forever
(Added: 2010-10-14)
The Wombat State Forest forms a significant part of the only largely intact native vegetation in the central Victorian region and is home to many important flora and fauna species.
The Greater Glider is the largest of the gliding possums. This beautiful, furry creature ranges in colour from brown to grey to cream, pale underneath with a short snout and large ears. The Wombat State Forest is the western extremity of the Greater Glider’s range in Victoria.
Wombat Forestcare is requesting that the State Government initiate a process for the management of the Wombat State Forest that encompasses a mixture of State Park and Community Forest Reserve.