Rushworth Field & Game members Kel Perry, Geoff Hawking, Graeme Wall, Charlie Cerchi, Kevin McLeod and Neville Barker with the 25 new nesting boxes before their installation along the Waranga Rail Trail. Photo: Sharon Perry.
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Kyabram Free Press
The Waranga Rail Trail is attracting people from near and far to ride or walk part, or all, of the 19km trail, which follows the decommissioned railway line from Rushworth to Murchison.
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Part of the charm is seeing the area’s wildlife, which was enhanced when Rushworth Field & Game members spent a day installing 25 new wildlife nesting boxes along the new section of the trail.
Campaspe Shire Mayor Daniel Mackrell said Rushworth Field & Game had been involved in some fantastic initiatives within the shire, and this latest project added another feather to their cap.
“Rushworth Field & Game was recognised earlier this year as Campaspe Shire’s Community Group of the Year, and the club continues to do great things for the community and the environment,” Cr Mackrell said.
“The installation of these new nesting boxes not only provides safe habitat for our precious native wildlife but also offers our community members and visitors an even greater chance of seeing first-hand the results of this conservation initiative.”
Rushworth Field & Game members have installed wildlife nesting boxes along the new section of the trail.
Rushworth Field & Game’s conservation officer Graeme Wall said the group had been running its successful nesting box program for many years, primarily focused on wetlands and natural habitats.
He said the opportunity to showcase this work in a highly visible space such as the rail trail was invaluable in promoting the conservation message and the benefits for native species that come from the group’s work.
“It’s hoped that the boxes will not only be used by local wildlife but also allow us to track and record activity through the Delta app — helping to demonstrate the effectiveness of the project over time,” Mr Wall said.
Opened to the public on April 1, the trail was funded by the Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program and the Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grant Program.
An official opening ceremony for the Waranga Rail Trail will be held at the start of the trail in High St, Rushworth, on May 17 at 10am to coincide with the monthly Rushworth market.
