Beaconsfield Flora and Fauna Reserve and Berwick Views Wetlands
Australia is home to between 600,000 and 700,000 species, many of which are found nowhere else in the world. About 84 per cent of plants, 83 per cent of mammals, and 45 per cent of birds are only found in Australia. Changes to the landscape and native habitat as a result of human activity however have put many of these unique species at risk.
To engage students in the protection our native flora and fauna, Gould League have developed and are delivering a range of programs for students Levels 1 – 8, based on the Victorian Curriculum.
The 25 ha Flora and Fauna Reserve centred around the Cardinia Creek makes a great outdoor learning location as it’s home to a diversity of local plants, from grasses and shrubs to trees, water plants and rare orchids; and provides habitat for native animals including a wide variety of birds, platypus, echidnas, wombats, frogs and skinks. The diversity of vegetation offers a fantastic learning opportunity on Swamp Scrub, Dry Rainforest, Riparian Grasslands and Riparian Woodlands and why layers in the bush land are so important for different animals.
Just across the road from the Reserve is the Berwick Views Wetland, home to a large population of birds, frogs, aquatic insects and invertebrates. Exploring them provides great conversation starters about human impacts on waterways. The students love exploring water bugs with the older students able to undertake field work in the form of water testing. All equipment is supplied!
The facilitated programs represent the vector in providing environmental education outreach to schools that neighbour local creeks and rivers. We address how first nations people lived, how to keep parks and waterways healthy, impacts of climate change, living things, biodiversity, weed invasion impacts, environmental values that reside along Cardinia Creek and stewardship methods to protect and enhance biodiversity and much more.
The programs on offer are as follows:
- Level 1-2: Living Connections in Cardinia
- Level 3-4: Natural Links in Cardinia
- Level 5-6: Place, Space and Interconnections of Beaconsfield Flora and Fauna Reserve and Wetland
- Level 7-8: Water in the World, Cardinia
Terms and Conditions
Programs are open to schools located in and around Cardinia Creek. Sessions offered are subject to availability and budget. Our ideal group size is 25 students, however we can take up to 30 students per group.
How to get there
The Beaconsfield Flora and Fauna Reserve is located within walking distance from Beaconsfield Station (approx. 15-20 mins), alternatively there the 837 bus Berwick Station – Beaconsfield East stops in front of the Beaconsfield Wetlands. There is also an ample parking between the sports oval and Beaconsfield Recreational Reserve past the tennis courts at 100 Beaconsfield-Emerald Road if you come via private coach. Enter via Tennis Club carpark and meet Gould League in front of Sporting Oval where you will have access to the Club Toilets before starting your excursion.
