In the lead-up to the Great Southern Bioblitz, Bowning Bookham Landcare gathered for a slow wander through the Bookham Cemetery and Reserve, taking a closer look at the biodiversity tucked into this little patch of Country. Spring had turned the place into a showcase. Wildflowers were out in full force, making it easy to spot the many orchids, daisies and tiny forbs sprinkled through the native grasses.
The reserve’s mix of microclimates put on a good display too. Damp pockets were carpeted with milkmaids and sundews, while fallen timber created shelter for smaller orchids and forbs to survive browsing pressure. It was a gentle reminder of how important it is to let some branches and logs lie, offering protection for the miniature worlds they support.
Bookham’s habitat trees were just as impressive. Mature eucalypts with hollows, platforms and broad limbs hosted a diverse community of birds, mammals, insects and bats. As the afternoon settled into evening, the group was lucky enough to watch a healthy echidna shuffling along on its nightly rounds.
Most of the species we encountered were photographed and uploaded to iNaturalist, creating a small but meaningful snapshot of the life flourishing in this reserve. These are glimpses of what once covered much of the region, and they show what’s still possible when patches of Country are cared for.
It’s heartening to see places like this thriving, reminding us just how much biodiversity remains when given the chance.
Written by Sarah McGrath, YAN Local Coordinator
