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 protect our native flora and fauna and help reduce harm by invasive species, especially as it relates to weeds in and around Cardinia Creek, Gould League have developed and are delivering FREE EXCURSION PROGRAMS on behalf of the State Government to schools in and around Cardinia Creek as part of the Per-Urban Weed Management Partnerships Program at the Beaconsfield Flora and Fauna Reserve and adjacent Berwick Views Wetland.
The 25 ha Flora and Fauna Reserve centred around the Cardinia Creek is 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, an opportunity for older students to do water testing and discuss the impacts of climate change.
The facilitated programs represent the vector in providing environmental education outreach to schools that neighbour Cardinia Creek.
All programs will provide hands on learning that explores weed invasion impacts on the natural environment, environmental values that reside along Cardinia Creek and stewardship methods to protect and enhance biodiversity within the area.
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. Each group must not exceed 30 students. You can book as many students from your school as you like, however, all excursions must be delivered by Friday June 27.
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.
