A day in the life: Volunteering at Belair National Park
Ever wondered what typical day of volunteering in the idyllic Belair National would look like?
Well now you can find out, thanks to Catherine Miles. Catherine is the Vice President, Bushcare Leader and Adopt-a-block bushcarer for Friends of Belair National Park.
On any given day volunteering in this spectacular metro park, she could be dealing with invasive weeds, promoting the group to get more helpers or leading a team of bushcarers, all whilst relishing in this serene park, surrounded by wildlife and stunning scenery.
How would you describe a standard day of volunteering for Friends of Belair?
“Volunteering can look different for different volunteers on any given day. Some volunteers' days are spent distributing the cards, posters and book which we sell to raise funds. Some volunteers' days are spent running our Bush Buddies Program. Other volunteers' days are spent maintaining our Volunteer Centre and helping with the monthly members meetings there. But I love to work in the bush, getting down to ground level and finding all the teeny little fungi and seedlings and herbs that are surviving under the weeds, or those moments when you look up and there’s a kangaroo or a tawny frogmouth only a few metres away, just watching me.”
What are some of the proudest achievements of the group over the past 40 years?
“We have grown our membership to 300. About forty years ago, one of our Rangers divided the park map into 52 management units, which we systematically work on, gradually pushing weed fronts back. I’m always so impressed when I go into some areas that look like pristine bush now and find the skeletons of old Olive trees with a ring of drill holes around the base showing past bushcare work. The longer term members tell me how, when they first worked there it was a forest of head high boneseed under the olives – what a difference we’ve made over the years!”
What are some hidden gems Belair National Park?
“Accessible lake, look for turtles poking their snouts out!
The walk through the Cherry Plantation and on to the giant Sequoia trees.
The walk through Echo Tunnel then up to the two waterfalls.
Amphitheatre Rock, a large rocky overhang located near the south-eastern corner of the park (go quietly though, so as not to disturb the bandicoots).”
What projects are the Friends of Belair working on right now?
“We are actively promoting our recently published book:The beauty and biodiversity of Belair National Park. It is a sixty page book, chiefly of stunning photographs. The author, our member Marianne Broug shares her personal journey and vision in the park, hoping that it speaks for our natural environment and the importance of conserving and protecting the significant biodiversity of its magic place for future generations. The funds we raise from the book go to supporting our bushcare work paying for professional weeders to tackle some of the weeds that the volunteers can’t, like Bridal Creeper.”
If you only had a day in the park what would you do?
“Go for a run around the Adventure Loop and the Microcarpa Loop and then collapse on the Gums Oval and admire the massive Red Gum there.”
What’s the most rewarding thing about being a volunteer at Belair National Park?
"Being able to make a real change on ground, seeing a difference in just two hours all while spending time with other great people."
What message would you like to get out to visitors of the park?
“We hope that visitors enjoy the variety that the 835 hectares has to offer. Lakes, creeks, waterfalls, tunnels lookouts and wildlife. Walking SA have published some wonderful walking loops but there are extra small tracks that you can take to investigate the hidden corners of the park. You won't need to go off the track to find some rare and endangered orchids and other wildflowers in what is one of Australia's biodiversity hotspots”
Join your local Friends of Parks and Nature Group
The Friends of Belair National Park are one of 150+ Friends of Parks and Nature groups dedicated to protecting various areas within our beautiful state. Contact the Friends of Belair to join in on their next volunteer day.
Alternatively, you find your local Friends group here.
Park of the Month
Throughout September, Belair National Park is hosting National Parks and Wildlife Service's Park of the Month program.
Explore a variety of events, from forest bathing to parkruns, ranger-guided walks, and more.
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