The Tasmanian Land Conservancy’s Flat Rock Discovery Day was held on Saturday 16 April in conjunction with the Friends of Chauncy Vale, attracting over 120 people of all ages and interests.
Flat Rock Reserve is a 455 ha reserve purchased by the Tasmanian Land Conservancy in 2006 to protect important conservation values such as silver peppermint and grassy blue gum forest. It is located less than one hour’s drive north of Hobart, and sits within a range of rocky dolerite hills. The Flat Rock Reserve, the Chauncy Vale Wildlife Sanctuary and nearby Pinnacle Conservation Area combine to create 1500 hectares of protected land.
Chauncy Vale was the home of beloved children’s author Nan Chauncy and the Tasmanian Land Conservancy now jointly manages both Chauncy Vale and Flat Rock for its natural values. Visitors to the Discovery Day also enjoyed a tour of the Day Dawn House led by Heather Chauncy, who grew up in the magical natural environment.
‘The Discovery Day was a fantastic opportunity for our community of supporters and anyone interested in nature conservation to get out of town and experience both the natural values of the area and the work of the Tasmanian Land Conservancy,’ said Jane Hutchinson, CEO of the Tasmanian Land Conservancy. ‘The outstanding features of the area include the impressive sandstone caves and overhangs, explored today by a group of fourteen kids. They just loved it.’
At Flat Rock Reserve and Chauncy Vale, our scientists are using fixed point photography to monitor fauna including Tasmanian devils and bettongs. The TLC is also preparing to implement an ecological burn plan during autumn, and studying the effects of fire on local ecology.
The Tasmanian Land Conservancy holds discovery days on its reserves several times throughout the year, so go ahead and sign up to receive event invitations.