With a lifelong love for learning about the environment, Ian Kitchen has made sure that his wheelchair is no barrier to enjoying nature in his retirement. Instead, he's using it as a tool to introduce others to the beauty of Churchill National Park.
Alongside his wife Julie, Ian now leads others on Wheelchair Nature Scoots, accessible Park Walk events designed for those with wheelchairs and other mobility challenges.
With a relaxed pace and a welcoming atmosphere, participants can take in the beauty of Churchill National Park like never before. The volunteer-led events provide a unique opportunity for everyone, regardless of physical ability, to enjoy the park's diverse plant and animal life.
Photo: Participants are encouraged to bring along a pair of binoculars or a camera so they can get a better view of the Churchill National Park flora and fauna.
Churchill National Park, located in Melbourne's southeast on the traditional Country of the Bunurong People, and adjoining Lysterfield Park, is known for its scenic landscapes, rich biodiversity, and peaceful trails.
Some of the species that call the park home include a healthy population of Powerful owls, a variety of raptors, bats and numerous species of lizards, snakes and frogs, including the endangered Southern Toadlet which can be heard croaking from the network of creeks flowing throughout the park.
Ian, a Dandenong local, said he was eager to share his knowledge of the natural world with others.
"I've always been interested in nature, ever since I was a boy. I remember when I was little the librarian would let me borrow books from the adult section because they had much more information on animals and insects than the children's books," Ian said.
Ian, who now uses a wheelchair to get around, has spent his retirement documenting the diverse plant and animal life found in Churchill National Park. Together, he and Julie are now encouraging others to join them as they traverse some of the park's gentler tracks, looking for different flora and fauna.
"My retirement project is to catalogue the park, so we've been coming for here a while and taking photos of everything we see. After a while, we said to ourselves that it's a pity we're learning all of this stuff about the park, when we could also be taking other people along with us and then they could learn as well."
That idea gave birth to the Wheelchair Nature Scoots, which now forms part of Parks Victoria's Park Walk events.
Photo: Ian and Julie are passionate about the environment and have plenty of local knowledge to share with attendees.
Ian and Julie provide educational commentary along the way, offering a new perspective on the different plants and animals that are encountered on each walk. Ian is also able to offer a lived experience of accessibility and nature, fostering a deeper connection between participants and their surroundings.
The Wheelchair Nature Scoots are tailored to move at a slower, more comfortable pace, allowing everyone to soak in the beauty of the environment while engaging with others in the group. Attendees are encouraged to bring along a pair of binoculars or a camera so any interesting flora and fauna sightings can be recorded on iNaturalist, a popular and easy to use citizen science app.
All of Parks Victoria's Park Walk events, including the Wheelchair Nature Scoots, are free, however bookings are essential. Click here to register and find out when the next Park Walk event is happening near you.
