Brookfield Conservation Park, The Riverland in South Australia

Brookfield Conservation park is about 50 km2 in area. It has an important conservation value because it is a major area of mallee vegetation in the Riverland district. The climate is hot and dry during summer and in winter the temperature can reach down to about minus 1 degree.

It was very hot when we were there in january. The temperature reached 46 degrees. To avoid the worst heat we would get up at five in the morning and we had to stop work around noon. The camp was very primitive giving little relief from the heat. It is very important to drink alot of water to avoid dehydration.

The area is the home of Southern Hairy Wombats. A major aim of the park is to conserve their habitat.

Brookfield Conservation Park has been given to Conservation Volunteer Australia to manage on a ten year lease. Their aim is to study regeneration and rehabilitation of native habitats after agricultural activities. pressure.

Early 20th century woodccutting for charcoal and fence post depleted the park for trees. This resulted in less habitat for birds and native animals.

Typical malleebush area:

Burrows made by Southern Hairy-nosed Wombat

Old charcoal pit