An afternoon spent pulling weeds might sound like a modest contribution to conservation. But bring together 24 enthusiastic Aurora Energy staff volunteers and six dedicated Wildcare Deslacs volunteers, and a few hours can make a substantial difference.

I was pleased to join the team recently at Cape Deslacs Nature Reserve near Clifton Beach, for an afternoon of practical conservation, shared learning and plenty of good humour. The Aurora crew were a fun bunch, spirits were high, and we were delighted with what everyone achieved in the time available.

Working alongside our local volunteers, the Aurora team tackled invasive Spanish heath and helped clear overgrown tracks. In just an hour and a half, we weeded a large patch of Spanish heath on top of the Cape—a powerful reminder of the truth in the old adage, ‘many hands make light work’.

Aurora volunteers at Cape Deslacs October 2026 (1)

Introduced to Australia as a garden ornamental, Spanish heath can beguile with its profusion of delicate flowers, yet it is responsible for widespread harmful impact across Tasmania's landscape, often spreading along roadsides and into adjoining bushland disturbed by human activity. It produces large quantities of seed and can form dense infestations that crowd out native plants, changing the vegetation that local wildlife depends on. Removing small plants, including their roots, helps limit its spread, although ongoing follow-up is essential. The afternoon’s effort gave Wildcare Deslacs a welcome boost in that continuing work.

The experience also gave us an opportunity to learn more about the place we were helping to protect. Wildcare Deslacs leaders Elizabeth Shannon and Peter Rice shared their knowledge of the reserve’s natural values, including its colony of short-tailed shearwaters, often known as muttonbirds.

These seabirds connect Tasmania’s coastal reserves with the far reaches of the Pacific, migrating to northern waters near Alaska before returning to their breeding colonies. Despite being intrepid ocean travellers, they are vulnerable on land. They nest in burrows, where chicks can fall prey to feral cats, while habitat loss and damage to burrows threaten their breeding grounds. Elizabeth and Peter also explained the risks posed by dogs and the importance of protecting these coastal nesting areas from disturbance.

Hearing those stories while standing beside the colony brought the purpose of Wildcare's work into focus - caring a natural place includes defending habitat that wildlife depends on, season after season.

Aurora Volunteers Cape Deslacs October 2026 (2)

Wildcare Deslacs volunteers sustain that care throughout the year. Working with the Parks and Wildlife Service and Clarence City Council, Wildcare Deslacs volunteers contribute to weed control, native revegetation and feral cat trapping at Cape Deslacs Nature Reserve and nearby Pipe Clay Lagoon Reserve. At Cape Deslacs, they also collect rubbish and dog poo, helping keep the reserve clean for wildlife and visitors. Their local knowledge and long-term commitment made this volunteering experience possible.

For me, the afternoon demonstrated the potential and mutual benefit of thoughtful corporate partnerships. Businesses can contribute people, skills and resources that help our volunteer groups progress their conservation priorities. In return, corporate volunteers have an opportunity to spend time together outdoors, and deepen their connection and make a tangible contribution to Tasmania’s natural environment and the communities who care for it.

Aurora Volunteer Cape Deslacs

At Wildcare, we want to build ongoing relationships that support this work. A successful afternoon can be the beginning of a longer connection between a business, a volunteer group and the places they care for. Returning teams can see progress, deepen their understanding and help sustain the effort that conservation requires.

We plan to welcome Aurora back on a semi-regular basis and explore opportunities for their teams to support other regional Wildcare groups as well.

Thank you to Aurora team leader Will, and the whole Aurora Energy crew for your enthusiasm and hard work, and to Elizabeth, Peter and all attending Wildcare Deslacs volunteers for sharing your time and knowledge. I thoroughly enjoyed being part of it.

If your business would like to explore a corporate partnership or volunteering opportunity with Wildcare Tasmania, please get in touch. We would welcome a conversation about how your team could contribute to the wild places and wildlife our communities work so hard to protect.

To join, support or learn more about Wildcare Cape Deslacs, visit their group page.

Phillip Laroche - Wildcare CEO

Cape Deslacs

Friends of Melaleuca Wildcare

Vale Mick Lawrence - Surfing legend, film maker, environmentalist