James Rolevink, After the Smoke has Cleared (ANIMAL & NATURE 2022)

It’s impossible to know where even the worst of life’s disasters might take you. As one door closes, another door really does open. Letting go of the past reveals the invisible silver-linings. We could never have foreseen that from the ashes of the 2019 bushfires, we would be handed stewardship of 10 acres of stunning Mt Lofty Ranges flora and fauna. As a rapidly disappearing biodiversity hotspot, the Mt Lofty Ranges are under consideration for a UNESCO World Heritage listing. We secured a state heritage listing to protect it in perpetuity in the interim. It is so uplifting to spot at least one new survivor species every day. One can only imagine what is was once like, and it’s exciting to think how it might look like in five year’s time. It’s such a privilege to protect and nurture some of the unique beauty of this ancient land. It’s why I am compelled to document and share this story of hope.

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