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Tortoiseshell Farm is a registered
"Land for Wildlife" property and a Wildlife Refuge. Sheila
is DEC's "Land for Wildlife"
Officer for the Middle Blackwood District Sheila and
Sean are Wildlife Carers and Sheila is a
Registered Wildlife Rehabilitator for the Department of
Environment and Conservation. Over the last 30 years they
have protected and enhanced 70 acres of
jarrah/marri/banksia bush on the property and planted a
wonderful garden that extends a safe haven for
wildlife and enriches corridor links to adjoining
conservation bushland and the "Wheatley to Wheatley
BigLinks" corridor through which it is hoped that
animal and plantlife can safely move as they adjust to
climate change. A basic survival requirement for native
species beyond habitat food and shelter and protection from
predators is the ability to move safely from one area to another to
find a mate , to establish new territory if overcrowding occurs or
if the old territory becomes inhospitable. Even very short
distances of cleared paddock are impossible for some species to
safely traverse.
In 2007/8 Tortoiseshell Farm
received funding from Envirofund and the Blackwood Basin Group's
Ground Works Scheme to build and plant 4 new wildlife
corridors, connecting their upland remant bush (and the Hester
Conservation Zone) to wetlands at the base of the property.
The corridors will be planted with a comprehensive combination of
trees, middle and low storey plants and groundcovers which imitate
the structure of the natural bush, and therefore providing habit
and protection for many species. With a view to climate
change, plants from nearby dryer inland areas (Boyup Brook)
will be trialled. Also funded was the building of
2 new feral animal proof wildlife rehabilitation enclosures and a
short interprative boardwalk in the remnant jarrah/marri/banksia
forest. The funding has been of invaluable assistance and has
probably advanced Tortoiseshell Farm's conservation plans by 15
years, which is very fortunate for all those native species
starting to feel the climate change pinch.
In 2005 Sheila began work on an EMS
(Environmental Management System) for the property and business and
in 2008 the EMS was Certified through the Blackwood Basin Group's
BestFarms programme. Tortoiseshell Farm was the 8th
property in Australia (and 6th in Western Australia) to be
certified under the BestFarms scheme. In
2008 Tortoiseshell Farm won the Inaugural National EMS
Association's EMS OF THE YEAR (Small Business Category) see
"News".
The EMS is all about biodiversity
conservation on Tortoiseshell Farm and strategies to minimise
visitor impact on their environment. Sheila and Sean are
passionate about the
value of eco-tourism sharing their knowledge and
creating a wider interest in biodiversity conservation. To
that end they allow supervised visitor contact, where appropriate,
to rehabilitating wildlife and find it a rewarding
tool.
But.Tortoiseshell Farm is a
sancturary for people as well as
wildlife, be you a couple, a family,
friends, conference, wedding or group re-union. Sean & Sheila
would love to welcome you to their special piece of paradise and
tailor -make you a memorable getaway.
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Your Dog is also welcome...
Speaking of animals, you can bring your social
leashed dog on holidays as well. Dogs need to be social
and leashed at all times for their protection and for the
protection of stock and wildlife. Dogs are not permitted in our
remnant bush area, but there are plenty of great walks
elsewhere.
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Horse owners…..why not let your horses share the
holiday for no extra charge.
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We offer paddock, yard or stable accommodation,
use of our fully fenced 80m x 20m arena and maps for hours of trail
riding pleasure. You could ride an 8 kilometer forest
road to Shedley’s Winery and enjoy tastings and a tour of
facilities. We can even deliver you lunch there and pick up any
wines you may wish to order for that evening’s meal.
At some times of the year you can also ride to a
unique private art gallery on a riverside
farm. Our large shady
arena is surrounded by gardens, spectator seating and gazebo.
Ideal for schools.
Family and Adult Rider groups are welcome and can be fully
catered for if desired. Because of the risk of introducing
weeds , we ask that you dont bring hay with you, and horses as well
as dogs are excluded from our remnant bush areas because of the
great risk of spreading Phytophthera Jarrah Dieback.
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