A project of People Matters Hackham West

Supported by

LOCALS CARING FOR LOCALS

OUR VISION

For the 1.2 hectares of Vintners Walk Reserve to become revegetated with indigenous plants creating a habitat for local fauna. Not only will this reduce stress on local species but also provide an opportunity for us locals to immerse ourselves in the regenerative benefits of nature right on our doorstep.

It is hoped that in time it would not be a rare event to see a butterfly, native bee or large variety of bird species in the area.

Locals who helped with the growing of the space into a thriving community of local species during this project could return and feel connected to the place they helped create.

Pantheon of local species we hope to woo....

Our Story

Before - 2016

A group of homeschool students wanted to create a garden that showcased the beauty of local plants while also providing much needed urban habitat for butterflies, native bees and smaller birds that need understory (e.g. shrubs) for protection. One of the students, iwith the help of People Matters Hackham West was successful in receiving a environment grant from the City of Onkaparinga - we were on our way...

Now - and still growing

Since then to project has blossomed into an ongoing community project involving local schools and community centres, the Hackham West Children's Centre, Youth Justice, The Men's Shed, Morphett Vale Rotary Club, Hackham Scouts and Girl Guides... the list goes on - all supported by grants from the City of Onkaparinga and Green Adelaide.

Home Grown

1000's of Plants

Every year since 2016 hundreds of plants have been propagated and planted most of which are indigenous to Hackham West area. The focus has been on plants that are host plants for the catepillars of local butterflies which include a variety of shrubs and grasses.

Growing a Seedbank

In the last few years we have had the excitement of being able to harvest and grow on seed collected from the Butterfly Garden. This has provided a wonderful learning opportunity for visiting school students to identify different seed types and be involved in seed collection.

Pocket Forest

In 2019 our site was selected as a location for one of the City of Onkaparinga's Pocket Forests - an initiative to reduce the effect of urban heating - bringing the vision of creating a "children's forest" in the heart of Hackham West one step closer.

The Butterfly

The original concrete butterfly installed at the reserve back in 2006 was reimagined through a community art project in 2018/2019. Many hands worked together over numerous workshops to mix barrow loads of concrete and create unique pebble mosaics.