Fagus Walk

The Friends of Mount Field (FOMF) and the local Parks and Wildlife Service (PWS) are planning to improve visitor access to the Fagus viewing sites at Lake Fenton. In 2016 the FOMF gained funds from the Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife to construct a bridge over Lady Barron Creek which now enables vastly improved access to the Fagus. However, the short walking track is not as good a standard as we would like and making track improvements would provide a better experience for visitors. It would also encourage less able visitors to venture beyond the bridge.

One of the major management strategies set for the park by the government is for the park to be a tourism icon that "will be promoted to encourage locals and visitors alike to appreciate, understand and enjoy the park’s natural and cultural values, as well as the wide range of recreational opportunities it offers”.

Funding

Originally the FOMF applied to Wildcare for the funding, as we considered it a project of wide appeal. However, Wildcare declined as they " were not comfortable with funding an external track designer". this was an unfortunate outcome as FOMF considered that it was important to have a skilled track designer that could help with the work and provide advice. An opportunity arose a few months alter when the the Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife opened a round of Community Conservation Grants and we managed to obtain the funds from them.

Project Outline

The work involves making the existing track surface smoother by removing rock intrusions and where appropriate lay gravel. Some signage is proposed to provide directions and to inform visitors.

The proposed upgrade will improve the infrastructure at Mount Field National Park and will allow PWS to publicise the area more for visitors, especially at Fagus time when visitor numbers swell.

A better track with defined edges will improve the management and protection of the native vegetation by encouraging visitors to stay on the path.

This short walking track passes through a variety of other unique vegetation and will help visitor appreciation of this marvellous national park. At the moment a good quality track goes from the carpark to the bridge over Lady Barron Creek of 200 metres, but at this point it becomes a much lesser quality. Beyond this point lies some very attractive vegetation, including groves of Fagus, and scenery. It is desired to upgrade a further 370 metres to a similar standard.

The project therefore contributes to reserve management and nature conservation. It also contributes to volunteering by providing a task and encouragement to assist with the work on the ground and ongoing maintenance. The track is a popular place for walkers to visit and has been for a great many years and is valued culturally.

The Expected outcome

A high grade walking track for the planned 370 metre extension that will match the grade and character of the existing 200 metes between the carpark and the bridge over Lady Barron Creek.