Close to Daylesford’s Main Street is a magical bush reserve regrowing on former gold mining ground. Cornish Hill is a Crown Land Reserve that was intensively mined between 1852 and the 1950s. Mining left the Hill turned over and denuded of trees and it soon became an area covered in woody weeds such as gorse, blackberries and broom.
Friends of Cornish Hill (FoCH ) is a group of volunteers who have, over the years, planted hundreds of native trees and grasses as well as brush-cut the ever growing grass around the picnic table areas.
Many local people haven’t been aware of this wonderful bushland with gorgeous little Smiths Creek running down the middle of the reserve – that is up until COVID struck!! More and more people, both young and old, and with their four legged friend,s have been utilizing the various walks at the Hill.
FoCH need your help to maintain the Smith Creek track in particular. Over the past decade, many trees have been planted. Some have survived, others now need some TLC like weeding and removal of tree guards. The introduced weeds where accessible need to be cut out. Careful brush cutting around native grasses and on either side of the track will make for a more pleasant and safe walk, especially in summer.
If you enjoy using Cornish Hill and would like to contribute to this wonderful park asset, please consider joining us for the working bees on Sunday November 7 and Sunday December 5
from 10 am until noon. If you plan to attend, it would be helpful if you could let Jan know if you are coming by emailing strongjan@bigpond.com.
If you drive, park at the end of Stanley Street, walk down the hill and veer to the right to meet at the picnic table. Please don’t drive down as it is slippery and parking space is limited.
BYO gloves, mask, appropriate clothes and a water bottle.
Check out the FoCH website for further updates of working bees which will be on going next year if we can get people to volunteer.
