We sought advice from many different government and non-government bodies on how to re-establish the wetland. We sited other works by heavy machinery operators in the area and were excited when we found one who didn't just move the dirt around but worked with the land, taking into consideration the landscape and how it would have looked before the erosion had taken place.
This operator, Greg, proved very interesting. He did not know that his knowledge was conserving and recreating areas important to all landowners and their environment. He had developed new standards for dams and water conservation, encouraging landowners to work with the land rather than just dig a hole. He has created wetlands and reservoirs that will sit lightly on the land, encourage wildlife and establish ecosystems that will provide future generations of fauna, flora and human to enjoy healthy lifestyles.
We will never have the original wetland, erosion having removed a considerable amount of earth, creating a large, deep valley. We needed to work with what was left and prevent any more damage.
Through an Envirofund Grant from the Federal Government we have planted species compatible with and indigenous to our region; trees shrubs and sedges that would rejuvenate the land.
This has taken several years. We didn't want to plant all the trees at once. We worried that drought would destroy the plants and we would have to start again. We staggered the planting over four years. First we planted hardier species and sedges, then plants that would survive with companions around.
On the whole we succeeded. The wallabies and kangaroos chewed their way through a few, and dry winters and frost also took a toll.
The good news is that new birds arrived. With them came seeds from rainforest species. These established themselves on the three islands and around the edge of the wetland. The variety of birds grew and grew. We had migrating ducks, egrets, herons and swans that nested and hatched two clutches of cygnets last season. Pelicans visit on their way to fresh water in the west. Cormorants fish from one lone fence post. Tortoise sun bake on the islands.
We have new species of wrens, insectivores, nectar- and seed-eating birds. There are wallabies and kangaroos, goanna and lace monitors. We plan to add to this page more photos and lists of birds and more.
We are surrounded by farmland, many cleaned and burned to create grass for animal production. If every landowner dedicated a small area to the health of the native land we would all benefit.
Our friends have noticed the life and health of our trees, both native and fruiting. The balance is returning and the benefits are obvious.
We are very happy with the progress of the wetlands and the benefits to the whole property. It has grown and developed faster than we imagined. We hope future owners will appreciate and continue this work. |
