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REVEGETATION
PROJECTS
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 Property in 1999  Property in 2008 showing regrowth after revegetation  Group discussing the revegetation  Group on walking track on property |
EXCURSION TO GLEN FORBES by Cheryl Tyler On Sunday 9th November 2008, 14 members of SGCS visited revegetation projects on Paul Spiers, John Mumford and Nicky Millers' properties at Glen Forbes. Tributaries of Archies Creek run through both properties and it is along these creeks that revegetation has occurred. The first task carried out by Paul, John and Nicky was to remove blackberries that, in some areas, had provided protection for several indigenous species. After a lot of backbreaking work, Paul's first revegetation project commenced in 1978. At that time, Messmates, Blue gums and Manna gums were about the only species available for planting. Gradually, under story species became available and, as these grew, habitat formed for native birds, animals and insects. The goal of creating something resembling the original damp forest was becoming a reality. Walking through the forest was just delightful not to mention the very informative commentary by Paul, John and Nicky. Hazel Pomaderris, Dusky and Snowy Daisy bushes and Goodenia ovatas were in full flower, along with Lomandras, native Clematis, Dianella Tasmanicas and Starwort to name a few. Patches of wiregrass have appeared without being planted. In some areas, sufficient leaf litter has built up resulting in 2 to 3 cms of new soil. Paul planted grasses where the bush borders onto pasture. This reduces the full impact of water run off during heavy rain. As we climbed up the hill, we took in the connectivity of revegetation along the creek. Bush regeneration has benefits not only for wildlife and the health of waterways but also for agriculture. While crossing pastureland adjacent to a dam, Laurel trod on something spongy only to look down and see a snake at her feet. It must have been one of Paul's 'passive' snakes as Laurel was not bitten but certainly terrified out of her wits. From then on, her eyes were peeled on the ground. Our walk continued through John and Nicky's property where revegetation also commenced in 1978. The job of revegetation does not end with planting. There is on going weed removal, feral animal control, replanting tube stock that wombats pull out as well as track maintenance. Paul already has another revegetation project in mind to protect a natural spring that never dries up. I was fascinated at how the regeneration process eventually takes on a life of its own. There must be such an important and necessary interaction between plants, animals, birds, insects, fungi and chemicals. After a wonderful walk, we enjoyed a leisurely lunch - particularly leisurely for John Gunson as he waited patiently for his sausages to cook. Nicky provided us with delicious chocolate ripple cake and other goodies. Following lunch we had an added bonus of visiting John and Nicky's hazelnut orchard. Some 200 trees, the first planted in 1981 and surviving on a certain amount of neglect (John's words), managed to produce 450 kg of nuts last season. No chemicals are used on either the trees or for weed control. Many hours of brush cutting by Nicky results in a base for the nuts to fall on in Feb. Minimal pruning is done and trees are watered only very occasionally. Adjacent to the hazelnut trees are a variety of fruit trees, the proceeds often shared with wildlife. I'd like to thank Paul, John and Nicky very much for making us so welcome and for sharing some of their knowledge and experiences. Such dedicated landowners inspire others to appreciate the benefits of revegetation in dealing with climate change, habitat creation, the health of waterways and improved agriculture.
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