Part of the Stony Rises Woodland of the Victorian Volcanic Plains region, this 64ha property features numerous small- to medium-sized wetlands of very good quality and containing a high diversity of native plant species and providing excellent habitat for to birds, reptiles, and other fauna. Several locations offer the opportunity for house sites (STCA).
Native flora
Stony Rises Woodland dominates the site. Manna Gum and Swamp Gum comprise most of the canopy, with some tall Blackwood and Cherry Ballart also common. Tall shrubs such as Daisy-bush and Tree Violet comprise the mid story. The understory is herb-rich amongst swards of grasses. Ground ferns are common. A series of wetlands occur across the site, interspersed between the stony rises. Each appear unique in flora composition.
Native fauna
Several threatened species have been seen or heard on the site including: Australasian Bittern, Grey Goshawk, Growling Grass Frog, Pied Cormorant and the Yarra Pygmy Perch.
Significant ecological features
The property supports extensive areas of Stony Rises Woodland, a community classified as Vulnerable in the Victorian Volcanic Plains bioregion. Within the woodland environment, numerous small- to medium-sized wetlands exist, each apparently unique in species composition, yet interconnected throughout the landscape. Plains Sedgy Wetland is confirmed, and at least one example of this at the front of the property qualifies as nationally significant Seasonal Herbaceous Wetland of Lowland Plains. Nationally threatened species have been recorded by TFN staff; Swamp Everlasting Xerochrysum palustre and Australasian Bittern Botaurus poiciloptilus (anecdotal; call only). Regionally significant Slender Bitter-cress Cardamine tenuifolia has also been recorded on site.
Amenities
The site is located approximately 15-mins from Colac, 160 km drive from Melbourne (2hr drive), just over an hour from Geelong, Warrnambool and the Otway Ranges. Close to the Floating Islands Flora and Fauna Reserve and Mamre Hotel.
A Trust for Nature Conservation Covenant will be placed on the property title
