'free to roam'

blue mountain creek is a 200 acre diversified beef, sheep and chicken farm at Grantville,  part of the Mornington Peninsula and Western Port Biosphere

Reserve. We have implemented strategies aimed at sustainable land use in conjunction with  biodiversity conservation on the property and adjoining land.
The farm has Bass River frontage and forms part of the only riparian forest left on the river.
Our property is a vegetated link between the Grantville Flora & Fauna Reserve and the Bass River and is ecologically vital for the local survival of a variety of species.
Amongst animals living here are Powerful Owls, Barking Owls, Lace Monitors, Mountain Brushtail Possums, Swamp Antechinus, Potoroos and Bandicoots. Sixty acres of Blue Mountain Creek are protected by a Trust for Nature covenant and the farm is also part of the Land for Wildlife Scheme.
The property is demonstrating that primary production can be commercially viable without compromising ecological values and that cost-effective farming, environmental protection and enhancing species biodiversity are not mutually exclusive. The farm took part in a sustainability study of free range farms in the Port Phillip & Westernport Catchment Management Authority area. The study, conducted by an independent agronomist, found that our production techniques were sustainable and showed that our low stocking density provided overall cost benefits.
Production includes chemical-free beef and lamb, wool for hand spinning and free range eggs from hens in mobile roosts and protected from fox attacks by Maremma guard dogs. Regular movement of the roost houses which are sheds with slatted floors on skids, provides natural nutrients to maintain lush grass growth with no additional inputs, also encouraging the spread of native grasses.
Activities on the property have been designed to minimise off-site impacts. All creeks lines are vegetated to maintain water quality run off into Bass River and our management ensures the long term sustainability of our farming activities.
The property is home for the margo kroyer-pedersen wildlife shelter which provides voluntary regional care for injured, sick and orphaned wildlife as well as being a base for environmental groups Friends of Bass Valley Bush Inc Landcare Group and the Bushland Research Council. These groups conduct revegetation programs, propagate native trees, shrubs and grasses of local provenance and carry out research into regional flora and fauna. Species lists and other details are available by contacting bassbush. The wildlife shelter operates a regional rescue service with a small vehicle as an ambulance and we are part of the voluntary Help for Wildlife network which uses the emergency contact phone number 0417 380687 throughout Victoria. All sales assist with this work. The shelter has cared for native animals of all types--wombats, wallabies, echidnas, koalas, lizards and birds--including some magnificent raptors.
The property is also a farm holiday venue providing farmhouse accommodation close to the major tourist attractions on Phillip Island. Over 140 species of birds have been identified on the farm - so it is a bird watcher's paradise.