John Adeney has had a long interest in the unique bushlands of Shenton Park, which is adjacent to the Irwin Army Barracks. He has been secretary of the Friends of Shenton Park Bushlands for 35 years.The area is a vital link for birds between Kings Park and Bold Park as well as for some native animals>It was originally used by the Mooroo tribe of the Whadjuck tribe for residence, food and medicinal plants. Many of the mature trees (Jarrah, Tuart & Banksia) still have markings where bark had been removed for use as shelters. It was used by the early settlers as a timber source (there are still some mature trees remaining).During the Boer War it was used as a rifle range & training area. During the Second World War it was used as a parade ground (there is still some evidence of some structures there) it has also been used as an industrial waste tip, brickworks & POW camp. Rehabilitation, re-introducing Quendas, has been tried without success due to weeds, cats & foxes as well as research on fungi. Unfortunately the area has been used as a dumping area for asbestos which the City of Nedlands is removing. The area is used by runners,bush walkers and as a time capsule for civilisation. John said the R S L is not happy with the Federal Government selling off the adjacent Irwin Barracks for housing