Research is an important function of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, together with environmental conservation and a sustainable economy.  Within our Noosa Biosphere are many areas of scientific interest.  Currently receiving attention are the world famous and little known 'Patterned Fens'.

Fens are areas of wetland vegetation that rely on groundwater flow and rainfall.  They are peat-forming ecosystems where water-logging and lack of oxygen slow the decomposition of organic matter.  Water-loving plants such as sedges thrive in these acidic conditions as do specially adapted fauna such as the water mouse, acid frogs  and fish such as the honey blue eye and oxleyan perch.

Conditions in the Patterned Fens are almost impenetrable with hollows in the peat measuring up to two metres deep and usually full of water.  The sedges are tall and dense, growing in broad ribbons around the holes.  From the air they are seen as a series of patterns and indeed this is the only way to truly appreciate this unusual landform.

Patterned Fens occur on Fraser Island, in Cooloola and on the eastern side of the Noosa River.  These are the only known examples of fens in the sub-tropics.  They are usually found at much higher altitudes with lower temperatures.   Their proximity to the sand dunes and many of the processes of how the pools form in the peat and become progressively deeper has yet to be explained.

Little is known about them, but the Burnett Mary Regional Group has received funding to co-ordinate research.  Scientists involved in the studies are anxious to talk to anyone with on-ground knowledge of the Patterned Fens occurring in the Noosa Biosphere, north of Lake Como.

If you have any information, please phone NICA (Noosa Integrated Catchment Assn.) on +61 (0)7 5449 9650 who will put you in touch with the scientists.

Regards
Stephanie Haslam

Patterned Fens seen from the air on Fraser Island:
Photography – courtesy of John Sinclair