Wander past the bushland bordering the south of Inglewood Stadium and you wouldn’t give it a second glance. But the 1.7 hectare of natural bushland on Hamer Parade is a wildlife haven offering a rare glimpse into the past, and providing an ongoing source of inspiration.
Known locally as the Inglewood Triangle, and officially as Walter Hamer Eighth Reserve, the small parcel of land has remained largely untouched for much of the last century. Today it is home to 127 plant and wildlife species indigenous to the Swan Coastal Plain region.
“The Inglewood Triangle provides a window into the past showing the natural bushland that was once widespread in the area,” said Jo Taylor, Conservation Officer with the City of Stirling. “It also forms part of an ecological ‘green corridor’ that provides critical food resources for threatened and endangered species.”
Two dozen of Inglewood United’s juniors were introduced to the biodiversity of the Triangle on Saturday morning. The event kicked off with a bushland tour and the planting of over 500 native trees and shrubs, then close-up encounters with endangered Black Cockatoos, regular visitors to the Inglewood Triangle.
“Passing on a knowledge and appreciation of this unique bushland to young people through a hands-on approach is critical to ensure the next generation of caretakers,” commented Taylor. “The Inglewood Triangle is one of the few areas of Bassendean central and south vegetation complex within the City of Stirling.”
Jesper Kjaersgaard, coach of the Under-6s, said the juniors’ response to the morning has been overwhelming. “I have only heard positive things,” he said. “It’s great that the local community has something as unique as the Triangle so close to us. The entire morning was a really good initiative, it’s something we hope to do again as a club.”
Inglewood United thanks the City of Stirling, the Friends of Inglewood Triangle and Kaarakin Black Cockatoo Conservation Centre for providing the opportunity for our juniors to learn about and meaningfully engage with the Inglewood Triangle.
