We purchased our 40 acre property near Esk in early 2021, and after two years of slogging it out alone, I decided to see if other Land for Wildlife members in the Somerset region would like to meet together to share knowledge, resources and inspiration. As a psychologist, I know the power of community, of having your work witnessed and feeling connected with like-minded people. An email went out through our local Land for Wildlife Officer, Darren, and a group of about 17 people met for the first time in May 2023 on our property.
Since then, we have had six more gatherings, mostly property “Walk and Talks” but also a lantana working bee, with a core group of around 10-12 people.
Some highlights have been learning about Voluntary Conservation Agreements and a successful Cats-claw Creeper eradication program. We have seen what 30+ years of work can achieve on long-time members properties and we all value sharing lunches together. Members have shared some challenges they face, particularly with accessing funding and limited resources and financial support in a region the size of Somerset.
Several members were devastated by the 2019 bushfires and most live with the constant threat of bushfires. We have since opened the group to anyone in the Somerset region who has similar values for conservation of native flora and fauna and have called the group “Somerset Land for Wildlife and Friends”.
It was through this group that I met John Edwards, a long-term resident of Biarra and a Land for Wildlife member. He was a warm, friendly man with a goofy sense of humour, known for his tie-died shirts, generous nature and love of the bush. John had attended every gathering, and at our last meeting he shared how much our visit to his property meant to him. It was the first time he had been able to share his achievement of nurturing trees he planted from infancy to maturity with people who understood the significance of this effort.
Tragically, John passed away suddenly in December, not long after our last gathering for 2024. When we met recently in February, we honoured him with a tree planting on our property, and thanks to the generosity of our Land for Wildlife Officer, provided a tree for each member who wished to plant one for John on their own properties.
Although I only knew John for a short time, it has shown me that sharing these times together has grown more than our passion and knowledge, we have also formed meaningful relationships that can make a lasting impact on our lives. Like trees, humans function better in a supportive community. Growing the bush is important, but growing community while doing this is even more important.
If any readers in the Somerset region would like to join us, just contact Darren McPherson at Somerset Regional Council and he can pass on our details.
“Like trees, humans function better in a supportive community.”
Article by Arwyn Warner
Land for Wildlife member
Redbank Creek, Somerset