Biodiversity in the Mansfield region is under pressure from an expanding urban spread and land clearing. Up2Us Landcare Alliance is addressing the issue of the threat to biodiversity by connecting people to their natural environment through educational and field events. These events aim to raise awareness of biodiversity, its importance and how to conserve and enhance it.

The Web of Life project has enabled Up2Us to deliver these events within our local community, having just completed the third year delivering this project. This year has included events such as Frog’s of Mansfield and Surrounds, screening of The Message of the Lyrebird, Edible Weed Workshop, Wildflower Walk, the ever-popular fungi workshops and 18 education sessions with local schools and kindergartens.

Not only has this project funded field days and workshops, it has also been essential in increasing biodiversity within the Mansfield region. Plantings of indigenous native species has occurred throughout the Mansfield shire this year, including along the Great Victorian Rail Trail as part of this years National Tree Day event. This community event was very popular, with over 40 volunteers attending and helping to revegetate Mansfield.

Nesting boxes have been built and installed around the Mansfield township as part of this project. This has created important habitat for our native wildlife, including gliders, possums, birds, and bats. These nesting boxes were a community effort. Mansfield’s Men’s Shed cut and flat packed the boxes, MASS clients, local school and kinder students constructed and painted the nest boxes. Materials for securing the nest boxes were donated by community members and a volunteer arborist installed four with many more to come along Fords Creek, the Rail Trail and through the Mullum Wetlands. Just weeks after installation a brush tailed possum had already made one a home.

This project has funded Up2Us’ stock proof tree guard incentives, helps facilitate workshops, field days, education sessions, and more. It is a vital project for connecting community, increasing awareness of the risks to our environment, and creating change for the better.

Mansfield’s Web of Life project is supported by the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority through funding from the state government and Victorian Landcare Program. Up2Us Landcare Alliance has been successful in receiving funding to continue this project for its fourth consecutive year. Keep an eye out and get involved in these events and projects next year!