(Photo - Bandicoot Habitat Management, Bandicoot Superhighway project)

The Southern Brown Bandicoot is the last species of the bilby and bandicoot clan in South Australia's Mount Lofty Ranges (MLR), which is a major biodiversity hotspot. We are so fortunate to have these little animals on the land we nurture on the Fleurieu Peninsula on the Finniss River at Yundi (near Mt Compass).

We invite you to join us as we build new safe homes for the bandicoots along the Finniss River.

It is so important to preserve our native animals and their habitat – it is in the caring for nature that we also care for ourselves. The thought of seeing an animal with which we now have a relationship become extinct is heartbreaking. We are doing what we can to make a difference, and we invite you to join us.

This event will provide you with the opportunity to build a Bandicoot Bungalow! This is a new home for the bandicoots, which love to live in the safety of the prickly blackberries that line the river. As we work to restore this habitat to the native biodiversity that belongs here we will be progressively clearing blackberry. As we do that we need to provide the bandicoots with safe places to live. They don’t like to move more than 3-5m across open ground, so we’ll be building a series of Bandicoot Bungalows to give them new homes safe from foxes and cats and then plant appropriate native species around the bungalows to create a safe haven and connected corridor for the bandicoots to move around safely as they dig, forage for food and live their best life here.

Our Sanctuary is part of the Bandicoot Superhighway project, an ambitious project to protect, restore and connect bandicoot habitat.

Where

Come and see (and smell!) the explosion of spring at The Sanctuary, Yundi, our private National Park Sanctuary. We are north of Mt Compass - less than an hour from Adelaide CBD (45 minutes from Glenelg).

This event is an opportunity to access this private, pristine and protected environment to experience an incredibly peaceful, restorative connection with nature.

The Sanctuary is 82 acres, with most of the bush protected by a Heritage Bush Agreement since 1993. The property is also a private National Park Sanctuary. We have the beginning of the Finnis River running through the property. There are rare species of plants, birds and animals. We see many many fairy (blue) wrens every time we are there, as well as wedge tail eagles, vulnerable yellow tail black cockatoos, beautiful little scarlet robins and bright yellow golden whistlers. There are kangaroos, koalas and echidnas. The river is unbelievably beautiful and a rare example of a very healthy ecosystem with reeds, fallen trees, lots of fish, yabbies and dragon flies. We have a large forest of blue gums as well as enormous stringy bark trees. The Sanctuary is a sensory delight and stepping out of the car after driving from the city is a beautiful experience to inhale the clean, scented air.

Who runs this?

Nature OT is the passion of Bronwyn Paynter. I am an occupational therapist with over 30 years experience, and a passion for supporting wellbeing. I am a certified Forest & Nature Therapy Guide with the Association of Forest & Nature Therapy Guides and Programs, and a permaculture designer. Nature connection started with gardening, camping (as a girl guide) and family holidays in nature. For the last few years I’ve been helping occupational therapists internationally in ways to work more closely with nature because there is so much evidence about how nature is the optimal environment for people to flourish.

We purchased The Sanctuary, Yundi in 2018 and are dedicated to sharing this heritage protected nature with as many people as we can.

FAQs

Where will we meet?

When you register you will receive a link to the visitor information for The Sanctuary, Yundi, with the full address and google map link. Access is very easy from the Southern Expressway, Victor Harbor Rd, and turn off before Mt Compass - with bitumen road all the way.

Is there a toilet?

There is a ‘long drop loo’ at The Sanctuary. The toilet is not accessible for side transfers. There will also be a trailer mounted porta-loo accessible via stairs (with hand rail). There are flushing (and wheelchair accessible) public toilets in nearby (5min drive) Mt Compass.

Are their age restrictions? Is this suitable for children?

This event is best suited to adults or older children who are able to be safe in untamed nature with exposed water, uneven ground, slopes and branches, sticks etc. on the ground. This is an adventure of exploration! Children will be required to be under the care of a responsible adult to supervise their participation. Children bring a magical creative energy and sense of freedom, and they are very welcome under your care.

Physical capacity required

This event will require the ability to walk up to 1km on sloping, uneven ground that is likely to include fallen wood, leaf and bark litter and natural obstacles. You will require a good level of mobility to feel comfortable on this walk. This is untamed nature. We will be moving on animal paths for part of it and pushing through undergrowth – but it’s worth it! You are welcome to bring a hiking pole or grab a stick and we move slowly and carefully – we’re definitely not huffing and puffing.

Will I be safe?

I have current Wilderness first aid training and will be carrying a first aid kit. There is mobile phone reception where we will be. Please advise any particular health concerns that may be relevant. Please feel free to contact Bronwyn to discuss any concerns on 0412404700.

Hand washing and sanitising facilities will be provided. Please do not attend if you are unwell.

What should I bring to the event?

This event will go ahead in all weather (unless it’s dangerous) so dress appropriately - it is usually a few degrees cooler than in Adelaide. You will need decent shoes for this experience - boots are good if you have them. Bring a rain jacket in case of rain – although some people choose to get wet as part of the nature connection experience. Consider wearing/bringing an extra layer as well as beanie (hat), gloves and scarf if it's cold or windy and maybe even spare socks/shoes as we may get a little wet pushing through beautiful abundant plant growth. We’ll be moving pretty slowly so you have plenty of time to look for orchids. If it’s sunny then suncream, long sleeves and a shady hat are recommended.

Also - a drink bottle of water, and any special snacks you may want. A picnic afternoon tea (including fruit and cake) will be served as part of the experience. If you or anyone in your group have any dietary restrictions or allergies please contact the organiser at bronwyn@natureot.com.au to advise prior to the event.

Please bring (if you have)

Gardening gloves
Mallet
Secateurs/loppers

What's the cancellation policy?

The event will only be cancelled in the case of extreme weather or safety hazards e.g., thunderstorms. If the event is cancelled you will be notified by 8pm the evening prior - by the e-mail you used to register.

We really encourage you to prioritise this wellbeing practice for your self-care and make it important for you to attend once you have booked.

NOTE - you will be required to complete a registration/disclaimer form on arrival prior to the event commencing.

How can I contact the organiser with any questions?

e-mail Bronwyn@natureot.com.au or phone Bronwyn on 0412404700