For the last few years I’ve been involved in a project to create a new park and wetlands area in the nearby town of Terang, VIC, Australia.
It’s been an exciting journey which is starting to show signs of coming to fruition. Don’t get me wrong, it’s an ongoing project with no set end date, but things are definitely taking shape!
What started out (in recent years anyway) as a cow paddock in a drained volcanic lake is starting to look like a park and wetlands with established trees, functioning wetland ponds (ephemeral waters supporting wildlife), picnic spots, and historical context.
The plantings we’ve done in the wetlands area have had variable success rates, varying between amazing, explosive growth and no growth leading to death… 😳. Most of the exotic trees planted in the park section have grown very well, so that’s positive.
There’s still a lot of work to be done but that’s to be expected with such an ambitious project. Our small group of volunteers can expect to be kept busy for at least the next 20 years!
In the future we would like to see more development such as a sensory walk, an outdoor function space, a bird hide, art installations and so much more. An Augmented Reality walk is my latest idea for the Wishlist!
This is a project that’s close to my heart, a space where the Terang community can come to connect with nature, and an asset to the town to attract visitors. Watch this space!
Til next time!
The Flowerpot Pen 