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Somers
is
part of a fascinating Australian coastal environment
that has evolved over eons Its
natural plant and
animal
life
form
the distinctive landscape
character
and quality
that
makes the area so attractive. Somers’ impressive Coastal
Banksia , She
Oak and Manna Gum woodlands
shelter
magnificent wildflowers
and unique wildlife.
Bush
walking tracks wind through the Reserve and echidnas and koalas are
frequently sighted. Please keep your dog on a lead
and clean up any droppings
Open sunny
areas
with many
varieties
of indigenous
grasses and sedges provide ideal
shelter for wildflowers and habitat for small indigenous
creatures.
 With
the support of the Envirofund, low-growing
grassy
heath is
being re-established
on the Somers Foreshore, linking
the significant
remnant areas
of She
Oaks (Allocasuarina
verticillata).
Walk
along the winding path sponsored by Mornington
Peninsula Shire Council and observe changes in
each season, increase your knowledge
and understanding of the unique ecology
of Western
Port. Enjoy the view and listen
to the bird song.
The restoration
of the
Foreshore Reserve owes a
great deal to the Australian Government’s Envirofund
and to the Department
of Sustainability
and Environment as
well as to the dedicated volunteer workers
who meet each month regardless of weather.
Somers
Foreshore Reserve is part of an almost continuous strip of land
that rings and protects the coastline of Victoria. The
Reserve is home to many indigenous
animals including Koalas, Echidnas, Swamp Rats, Bats, Sugar
Gliders, Ringtail and Brush tail Possums as well as snakes,
lizards, many
butterflies and other amazing insects and many, many bird.
The
Reserve also
protects a variety of indigenous flora ranging
from
large
Manna Gums, She Oaks and Coastal Banksias to tiny and delicate
grass lilies and orchids.
 Somers
Foreshore Reserve is managed by a Committee of Management appointed
by the Minister for Lands. The
committee members are
all
volunteers and
rely heavily on a small band of loyal volunteer workers who come to
Working Bees on
the third Sunday of each month, meeting at 9am in the top car
park opposite
the Somers General
Store. We
would love you to come and lend a hand. Your contribution will make
an enormous difference to the Reserve and to the Somers
community.  Even
if you are unable to contribute with physical work you are
always very
welcome to
join the committee members and the volunteers at
11.30 am, after each Working Bee, for morning tea and a chat and to
find out what is happening on the
Reserve. Your moral support will be greatly valued. The
committee’s management
of the Reserve is dedicated to restoring and
protecting the
valuable natural assets for present and
future generations. The Committee is not funded by DSE but
has a small income from the rental of the site of the Somers Yacht
Club. The income is used
to pay for
water for the public toilets, electricity and to maintain
all
the Reserve’s assets
To
fund major work on the Reserve the committee must apply for
grants.
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