Some of the plants at the Rubicon Sanctuary, particularly the orchid species, are stimulated to flower in the first or second year after their habitat has been burnt. Following slashing and raking of the fire boundary, the local Country Fire Service burnt about 2Ha of the swampy areas in April 2007. (Bottom two photos by Denna Kingdom, Tasmanian Land Conservancy, who organised the 2007 burn.)

The 2008 burn was nearly a non-event. The weather was bad for the first two Saturdays in April, and just OK on the third and last opportunity. As usual, plenty of smoke and flames, but very safe. Despite the camera angle the house did not burn!

The result of the 2008 burn provides hope that interesting orchids will emerge in spring. The "eastern burn" is in a swamp that is potentially very wet in the foreground to dry at the top of the bank in the distance. This provides a range of habitats that can be filled by different species. One thing is certain: this will be green again by autumn 2009 (watch this space!).