For over 20 years, the Barb Martin Bushbank has been providing locally sourced, native plants to create quality habitat for our native wildlife. Founded by volunteers, the Bushbank is currently managed by the Phillip Island Nature Parks, but the on-ground work is still done by a team of over 50 volunteers. Under the guidance of James, the nursery coordinator, this amazing team turns out over 100,000 plants each year.
Every Wednesday and Thursday, the volunteer team can be found gathered around the propagation table having a chat and a laugh. Rob and Steve man the trolleys and do the heavy lifting, Peter sorts the pots, and Charles rakes a beautiful labyrinth pattern into the pathways. Bet and Lyn are the cheekiest mother-daughter duo you could hope to come across, Jill’s sense of humour keeps us on our toes, and young Brodie is learning fast and is always keen to get stuck in.
The plants grown go to local government, schools, Landcare, Coastcare, businesses, individuals and, of course to the Phillip Island Nature Parks’ revegetation work. The aim is the re-wilding of Phillip Island to create beautiful habitat for native wildlife, including threatened species. Little penguins, eastern barred bandicoots, short-tailed shearwaters and more all have a place to live thanks to the Bushbank Team.
