3 minute read

The Suburban Shingleback

Legend

Strategy 1: Backyard Enhancements

Advertisement

Strategy 2: Shingleback-Yard Trail

Strategy 3: BobTrail

BobTrail Points of Interest

High Quality Habitats

Reduced Off-leash Dog Areas

Ecological Connection

One of the places that serve as habitats and travelling routes for the Bobtails is the backyards of suburban houses. However, these backyards are full of threats to the Bobtails such as cats, dogs, deep water and lack of resources.

These are several but not limited to recommended backyard enhancements to help increase the amount of high quality habitats.

1. Reducing Lawn Area.

2. Native Planting to provide habitats and resources.

3. Openings between fences to allow Bobtails to travel through.

4. Removal of deep water sources that pose threat to Bobtails

5. Continuous connection along backyards for Bobtail travel.

Original Backyard with Low Quality Habitat

The current backyards are devoid of vegetation and lack shelter and resources for bobtails. These area are low quality and provide no value to the Bobtails.

Conversion to High Quality Habitat

The first iteration of the strategy is to repurpose a part of private backyards and add native planting to help create high quality habitats for Bobtails.

Addition of Human Access

The second iteration is to add more depth to the design and allow human access into the space. Removing the fences allow people into the space and enables them to interact with nature and the Bobtails.

Addition of Human Oriented Spaces

The final iteration of the strategy gives back part of the repurposed backyards to the original owners and public. The spaces provided allow the original owners to use them for recreational activities such as picnics, barbequing, etc. Some of these spaces are also part of the educational trail that has signage for people to learn from.

Initial Concept of the Educational Trail

The narrative of the trail follows the trait of Bobtails where they are monogamous and find their partner at certain time of year to mate before splitting up and meeting again the next year. This behaviour is not seen in many other species of animals. The trail follows the journey of the Bobtail and teaches people about their habits and challenges faced.

The trail expands into Points of Interests at certain points which features sculptures of Bobtails.

The Points of Interest chosen are the Department of Water and Conservation Services Facility, Kensington Primary, Secondary and High School as they are educational spaces and are opportunities for enhancement.

The trail features several design elements along the trail based on various factors to maintain user interest.

Path Materials - A resin path according to the soil types of the area

Trail Planting - Planting Based on the Vegetation System of the area

Decorations on Path and along Trail - Path imprints based on season of Bobtails journey

Educational Information along Trail - Bobtail habits and information based on season of Bobtail’s Journey

Sculptures - Based on Points of Interest

The chosen masterplan area shows the main features of the design:

-The connection from the Jirdarup Bushland to the Derbarl Yerrigan through the Shingleback-Yard.

-The enhanced private backyards for higher quality Bobtail habitats.

-The Educational Bobtrail and one of the Points of Interest.

This area features a portion of the Shingleback-Yard Trail.

The main design aspects of this area are the:

-Revegetation of the repurposed private backyards.

-Part of the BobTrail coming through the Shingleback-Yard paved with timber railway sleepers.

-A communal deck that serves as a recreational space with BBQ pits, sheltered seating and educational signs.

-Private decks for personal use.

-Boardwalks to cross from one side to another.

-A hammock for resting at while enjoying the planting.

-Several diferent fencing variants.

-Stepped seating

Materials Palette

Jarrah Timber Steel Grate

Timber Railway Sleepers Concrete

Communal Deck

Personal Deck (Timber)

Personal Deck (Steel Grate)

Timber Boardwalk

Human Corridor

Bobtail Corridor

Sheltered Seating Open Backyard Variant

Non-Intervened Backyard Variant

Enhanced Backyard w/ Door Variant

Enhanced Backyard w/ Open Fence Variant

This area features the start of the connection from the Jirdarup Bushland to the Derbarl Yerrigan.

The main design aspects of this area are the:

-Revegetation of the space between the Kensington Secondary School and the Kensington Fire Station.

-The Educational Trail that connects to the Fire Station.

-A viewing platform that provides a vista of the Jirdarup Bushland and an educational space for students.

-Seating areas around the school oval that provide a resting space for students.

-A ramp that connects the school to the educational trail along the fire station.

Legend

This is a section of the BobTrail along the road.

BobTrail Design Elements

Path Materials - A resin path containing medium corresponding to the soil types of the area. (Yellow Sand, Grey Sand, Clay) Trail Planting - Planting Based on the Vegetation System of the area. (Vasse, Spearwood, Bassendean) Decorations on Path and along Trail - Path imprints based on season of Bobtails journey (6 Noongar Seasons). This will be done with consultation with aboriginal elders and communities.

Educational Information along Trail - Bobtail habits and information based on season of Bobtail’s Journey Sculptures - Male Bobtail at Department of Water and Environmental Conservation, Female Bobtail at Kensington High School, Male and Female Bobtails at Kensington Primary School, Female Bobtail and young at Kensington Secondary School, Small Bobtails along the entire route to guide users.

Sheltered Seating Area

Mini Bobtail Sculpture

Bobtail Suitable Verge Planting

Educational Signs

Seasonal Decorated Path

This article is from: