Beyond Yellingbo
Beyond Yellingbo - An Overview
Beyond Yellingbo is primarily focused on conservation on private land. It originated as Yellingbo to Butterfield but changed its name as it expanded beyond the Woori Yallock Creek corridor.
A related project run by the state government is Liwik Barring project, solely operating on public land, which includes the creek easements in the Upper Yarra Catchment, the Warramate Hills Nature Conservation Reserve and the Yellingbo Nature Conservation Reserve.
Another related project is the Great HeHo Escape, run by the Port Philip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority (which has recently been absorbed into Melbourne Water).
All of these projects are focused at restoration of habitat for Helmeted Honeyeater and Lowland Leadbeater’s Possum, both endangered.
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Latest News - June 2024
In April 2024, grant funding for the facilitator was exhausted. Eliza (our facilitator) stepped down. Several grant applications were prepared and submitted but as of June 2024, none have been approved.
The steering committee and support groups remain passionate about this cause. Several landholders have offered funds of $2,000 each to support the continuation of the project… but the project needs in the order of $40,000 per year in order to appoint a new paid facilitator.
Funding is still available for on-ground works through Melbourne Water’s Rural Land Program and Yarra Ranges Council’s Ribbons of Green. You can apply directly or get some help from your local Landcare Group.
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Beyond Yellingbo Engagement Plan 2022 - 2027
June 2024 Update
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Video - Yellingbo to Butterfield Project
Find out how landholders are participating in the Yellingbo to Butterfield Project and are helping save the endangered Helmeted Honeyeater.
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Video - The Great Escape
How private landholders can support Yellingbo’s threatened species
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Video - Flight of the Helmeted Honeyeater
This is a story of hope. The community came together when just 50 individual Helmeted Honeyeaters remained in the wild - in the world.
The Helmeted Honeyeater, Victoria's avifaunal (bird) emblem, was headed for extinction. Today, 34+ years later, its future is looking brighter, thanks to the dedication of many people.
The Friends of the Helmeted Honeyeater continue to advocate for the Helmeted Honeyeaters rightful place in the world, along with the other plant and animal species that co-exist with it
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Video - Critically endangered Helmeted Honeyeater impacted by feral deer
The Helmeted Honeyeater is listed as critically endangered, and now only exists in a small patch of vegetation in Yellingbo, Victoria. In March 2020 there were estimated to be about 240 birds in the wild – in the world. Helmeted Honeyeater habitat was further impacted by the 2019-2020 bushfires and is now requiring revegetation.
Feral deer graze on and destroy remaining Helmeted Honeyeater habitat and attempts at revegetation. In order to protect the critically endangered bird feral deer control programs or expensive exclusion fences are required.