It was under a ancient reclining (but still thriving) walnut tree where Australia’s Bush Heritage, Tasmania’s Wilderness Society and The Greens Party were conceived, thanks to founder Bob Brown. A conservation, activist and political party. All kicked off by the one remarkable man.

Bob’s property became Bush Heritage’s first reserve, back in 1991. Called Oura Oura, it was the first stop on Jord’s annual working bee weekend. Our task was to clear debris from recent floods. Next stop was to Bush Heritage’s Mid-Landscapes Project, where they’re assisting sheep station owners to improve bio-diversity on their properties without any negative impact to farm profitability. Our task was to guard the saplings of a few ancient ‘Witness Trees’ from feral deer grazing. These trees were around before colonisation. They had witnessed their neighbours logged, profound flora and fauna changes on the back of domestic farm practices & cultural disharmony with indigenous communities. Protecting these saplings was a particularly moving experience.

Our final stop was to the picturesque Freycinet peninsular, a wilderness wonderland where we hiked Bush Heritage’s impressive Friendly Beaches coastal reserve and swam in the frigid 10 deg C southern ocean.