Rich Pickings

“We’re so lucky to live here!”

It’s almost a catchcry, it’s heard so often. We Taroona residents do appreciate the beauty of our home. How could you not! Just minutes from the centre of Hobart, nestled between the beautiful ever-changing waters of the Derwent and the fragrant eucalypt forests in the foothills. Our days are filled with birdsong ... our nights with the quiet scurrying of bandicoots and possums. But as with all homes, we share responsibility for its care.

The founders of the Taroona Environment Network, back in 1997, recognised this. A small group of like-minded souls were inspired to ‘clean-up’ the coastline, and battle the boneseed and other invasive weeds that had begun to smother our special remnant coastal vegetation. Only a decade later, the group has around one hundred members, including a core group who regularly meet for working bees. The results speak for themselves. Much of the coastline has been rehabilitated with coastal plants that once grew naturally.

As these plants mature, the opportunities for our native wildlife to find food and shelter improve: nectar and pollen for birds, bees, butterflies and ringtail possums; nesting sites for barred bandicoots and birds; and hiding spots for skinks and lizards. Along the way, we’ve learned a little about the history of the area, how it’s changed over the years ‑ even how the Aboriginal people valued the landscape. It’s an exciting process to be involved in, which is why we’d like to share what we’ve learned about our patch of coast with you.

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