Wildlife and picnics the plan at Reserve

LINTON public parkland, Edinburgh Reserve can be a forgotten place, but local volunteers are working to “lift it up.”

The green space, which historically doubled as a community swimming hole, sits between Edinburgh Lane, Jackson and Gillespie streets. It has two wetland areas, a gazebo, a wood barbecue, bench seating and picnic tables.

The Linton and District Progress Association recently received a $1300 environment and sustainability community grant from Golden Plains Shire to enhance the Reserve’s biodiversity through revegetation.

LDPA member Phil Papas said the plan is to rejuvenate the park, so it becomes a popular haven for wildlife, and a more attractive picnic or walking spot for locals and visitors alike.

“It’s full of sedges so it’s a habitat for frogs and birds. More broadly, shrubs and trees have been planted over the last few decades and the grassy area is maintained by the Shire,” he said.

“But the Reserve needs some additional maintenance, amenities, and improved accessibility. Our first step is revegetation with replanting of diverse natives, flowing shrubs, wetland plants and trees, to get birds in relatively quickly.

“We’re looking at planting local species from the Woady Yaloak catchment area, for example, callistemon, sedges, and eucalypts like manna gums, and we will work with Avalon Nursery in Haddon.”

Mr Papas said LDPA is exploring improved connectivity between Edinburgh Reserve and the town centre as part of their “bigger vision” to beautify Linton more broadly.

“If you’re not from Linton, you could easily never know about the Reserve. There’s a sign and it can be seen from the main road, but it is tucked away behind some DELWP land.

“You can walk there up a couple of streets behind the town, but working with the Shire, we want to improve the accessibility,” he said.