The conservation area on the farm is one of the less well-known facts about A Taste of Paradise. When Tim and Andrea discovered there was a remnant rainforest area on the farm, they decided to lock the area up in a conservation agreement for perpetuity, thus preserving this untouched environment for the local native trees, shrubs, birds and animals.
The young people are introduced to the concept and educated in the need for preservation. We use several motion sensor cameras to capture images of the birds and animals that move around in this area. Over the years more indigenous plant species have been added to this fascinating plot of land providing more food and habitat choices.
Where there was once a vast area of rainforest on the coast, there is not much of it remaining. The rainforest gives a cool temperature with the canopy protecting some of the flora and fauna.
Early on, two endangered plant species were discovered on the farm that only survive in a small area in Southeastern Australia. These two plants are the Illawarra Zieria (Zieria granulata) and Illawarra Socketwood (Daphnandra johnsonii). We have participated in groundbreaking DNA scientific research showing our Socketwoods, which clone themselves through suckers, are all directly related in our local area. It is exciting to know that we are helping to save these species from extinction.
Our young people have also helped us build and install a range of nesting boxes, providing homes for sugar gliders, Eastern and Crimson Rosellas and microbats. We are pleased to have this opportunity to educate young people about conservation.