This week I attended a symposium with a number of speakers talking about the Great Brixton St Wetlands. The main thrust was ensuring the wetland region is not affected by proposed medium to long term industrial developments surrounding the wetlands.
For its size of only 200ha it has a huge variety of plant species due to the number of different habitats found here driven by the soil types and hydrology.
I learnt lots about flows of water and how typical urban development really affects it. We also had a fascinating talk on ecological corridors trying to allow the movement of wildlife through the developed landscape and through many of the barriers that have been erected – ie roads or lack of vegetation.
We then went for a field trip to Allison Baird Reserve owned by UWA and typically no public access. Prof Hans Lambers led our group and he showed us many plants – only found on this reserve!
We saw some amazing plants. These green kangaroo paws only grow in quite wet soils – I hadn’t seen them before.
Green Kangaroo Paws
Look at this tiny carnivorous sundew – thats my finger tip next to it! Also next to it is another type of sundew.
Banksia flower.
All in all a really interesting day and wonderful to be amongst so many people who have a real interest in preserving the natural remnants in our city.
Wildlife Watching in Australia 