Gariwerd: an Environmental History of the Grampians
Benjamin Wilkie
CSIRO Publishing, Melbourne, 2020
The author of this well-presented work seeks to answer the question: ‘what is the nature of Gariwerd?’ This mountain range in Victoria’s western district, formerly known as the Grampians, has been a significant presence in the lives of people of the region since the earliest human settlement, tens of thousands of years ago.
Recognising that the meanings that humans give to nature are a function of prevailing culture, and thus will vary through time, Wilkie examines how people have interacted with this iconic landscape feature. Following an introductory chapter on the natural history of the area, the narrative ranges from Indigenous occupation and use of local resources; through the cultural and physical appropriation of country following European discovery and settlement; to recent successful attempts to ensure legislative protection.
Gariwerd is well illustrated and referenced, and should long stand as a fine example of the place and value of studying nature within the realm of writing history.
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