UP to 15 volunteer Hamilton residents have been working along the Grange Burn on Thursday and Saturday mornings for an hour and a half of exercise and chatter over the last three months.

As regular walkers along the track, they were mindful of the area looking very neglected and so their goal has been to provide a more cared for look between the track and the Grange Burn.

Tasks undertaken include many an hour on knees weeding especially around the plants, plus chipping and raking and on one occasion a planting exercise was undertaken for the Shire.

Those who have recently walked along the track between Skene and Griffin Streets will have noticed piles and piles of weeds which have been stacked high beside the track appear and disappear and reappear again for Council to dispose of.

The three-month exercise has now opened up many views to the Grange Burn which until recently had just been a mass of very tall weeds suffocating past plantings of trees and shrubs.

It has been a citizens-feelgood project and a great opportunity to interact with fellow track walkers and as an outcome from this it has been decided to compile the ‘Story of the Grange Burn’ following it from its head water, through Hamilton and out to where it joins the Wannon River.

The Grange Burn is the reason for Hamilton’s settlement because of its reliable water source.

It has been planned to compile the most comprehensive collection of information possible about the Grange Burn, incorporating its geology from when it was once on the coast; thus sea shells and fossils having been found along parts of the Grange Burn.

It will cover its history, past and current activities together with providing a record of its flora and fauna.

Unofficially known as the Friends of the Grange Burn, group spokesperson, Sandy Vanrenen, said she was very excited about the enthusiasm of those she has already reached out to seeking assistance with the planned Grange Burn publication and is thrilled with the positive feedback received so far.

Sandy is now reaching out to those who live or have lived in the Western District who may have stories (good or bad, funny or not so funny) and/or photos of activities around the Grange Burn whether of farming activities, fossil collections, or tales of cubby houses and other activities in the past around our Grange Burn.

Please reach out to some older members of the community who may well have some photos, objects or stories that could be of interest.

The Hamilton History Centre has kindly agreed to be a repository for Grange Burn Memoirs and is assisting with the endeavours of this project and has a folder for photos/stories. Otherwise, Sandy can be contacted on sonatural2@gmail.com if you are able to assist or make any suggestions of people to contact about the Grange Burn Story.