Another year on since the fire, the forest has continued to recover. It now looks quite different to before the fire. Has it changed for good? Or will it return to its previous state?

Winter temperatures still, but the forest is clearly ready for the Spring transformation.

The forest has undergone an extraordinary renewal - which is ongoing - following the devastating bushfire in January 2020.

Ecosystem recovery as seen with moth eyes

A summary of post-fire recovery of our forest moths - a good proxy for ecosystem health

Fairy-wrens are settling in to breed, taking advantage of spiky dead vegetation.

Soil biodiversity is a good indicator of forest health. The signs are all good!

We anticipate an extraordinary display of Xanthorrhoea flowers this Summer. Fire promotes flowering of these iconic plants. In preparation, I’ve been seeking to learn more about our local species.

Ghost moth larvae took refuge deep in the soil as the fire swept through the forest, to emerge as adults 5 months later.

The strange looking foliage that has appeared on our eucalypt trees since the fire houses a wealth of creatures - an ecosystem in its own right.

Piece by piece our forest ecosystem is reassembling. Insects are populating the rapidly regrowing vegetation.

Three months on, the epicormic growth is astonishing. I seek to learn more, even as I marvel at a sight I may not see again for many years. Indeed, I rather hope not to.

Recovery of the forest vegetation proceeds apace

As the plants regrow the insects return. Many are species we know but there are new ones too. Importantly the makings of the next generation are also underway.

With each animal that appears, it’s intriguing to consider where it was when the fire swept through.

A forest begins the slow process of regrowth following an intense bushfire.

One month since The Fire and our home bird list is growing. Some of our regular forest birds are returning, but there are some unusual visitors too. We’re hoping they don’t all stay!

Seeds germinating, ferns fronds unfurling, tree trunks shooting, insects emerging, birds visiting. The recovery has begun.

Reflections on building to withstand a wildfire

Around 2am on 5th January 2020 our forest was engulfed by fire. Just 4 of the more than 5 million hectares burned in NSW this season, but it’s the 4 hectares we know and love.