Spotlight walks in Watagans a night-time forest adventure

Popular spotlight walks guided by experienced foresters and ecologists are again on offer in the State forests of the Watagans during 2004. The first for the year will be held on Saturday 31 January.

“Spotlight walks are a great adventure for children and adults alike,” says State Forests Hunter region forester, Peter Crichton. “We meet in the forest on dusk and for around two hours we go searching for the forest’s nocturnal inhabitants.

“While it’s only a one-hour drive to the Watagans from Newcastle, it’s a thrilling experience to be in the forest in the dark, with the sounds of the forest all around you.

“While sightings of wildlife can’t be guaranteed, participants will at the very least get to hear the sounds of native animals when pre-recorded calls are played,” he said. “Animals we regularly see or hear on these walks include greater gliders, possums and a population of rare brush-tailed rock wallabies.”

“Participants also discover some of the innovative techniques State Forests staff use to survey different wildlife groups. How many people have heard of a bat detector or a harp trap?” he said.

Mr Crichton recommends that participants get there early to take advantage of the BBQ facilities at the Hunter Lookout prior to the spotlight walk. Of an evening, stunning views of the lights in the Hunter Valley are on offer.

Bookings for the spotlight walks are essential, with a maximum of 20 people to try and ensure the best possible spotlighting result.

For bookings or information, interested people should contact State Forests’ Hunter office on Ph: (02) 4927 2900.

Media contact: Darryal Luxford on (02) 4927 2900.