RECENTLY, another biodiversity boost for Hamilton was achieved when further shrubs and small trees were planted on the Hamilton Coleraine Rail Reserve leading down to the Grange Burn waterway.

Thanks to a Victorian Landcare Grant, assistance from local businesses and neighbouring landholders, about 20 people planted a specially selected group of shrubs over this previously grazed area.

 Glenelg Hopkins landcare facilitator CMA, Lucy Cameron provided an interesting talk on the native fish species who call the Grange Burn waterway home.

“Some fish such as the Blackfish, don’t move more than 200 metres from their chosen spot in the Grange Burn.

“Others travel upstream from the Glenelg estuary – a journey of 200 kilometres, to make their home in the Grange Burn.

“Improving the habitat surrounding the Grange Burn is vital to supporting our native fish and feathered species,” she said.

Both young and old people were represented including four generations of one family, with everyone feeling as though they had participated in something very important and worthwhile.

Hamilton Coleraine Rail Reserve chair, Sue Brumby commented, “We thank everyone for assisting us today – whether planting trees, providing delicious refreshments, getting the site ready, and the interesting talk from Lucy.”

“It was a great afternoon.”

The Hamilton – Coleraine Rail Reserve is 37 kilometres long and covers 157 hectares of land.

It starts at Dunn Road in Hamilton and, with the further development of the Hamilton end now underway, will connect in well with the Grange Burn creek path, Hamilton loop in addition to providing a link to the Wannon Falls, Coleraine and the Points Arboretum.

 Another day of planting also took place recently with assistance from 30 primary students from Good Shepherd College accompanied by three members of staff and Ms Cameron.

Rail Committee member, Coralie Coulson commented that, “students were shown how to plant a tree and also learned about the importance of bird habitat and the lasting legacy that comes from revegetating local landscapes.”