Location: Wollongong
The Upper Hewitts Creek Landcare group has been working to restore native vegetation on the northern bank of upper Hewitts Creek since 2016.
Location
Working on private property at Upper Hewitts Creek, Thirroul. Our site is on the foothills of the Illawarra Escarpment on the upper reaches of Hewitts Creek.
History
The original vegetation on our site would have been Illawarra Escarpment Subtropical Rainforest. Even after past logging, grazing, much ensuing weed infestation, exotic plantings by some neigbouring residents and dumping of garden refuse, the regrowth forest contains vegetation representative of Illawarra’s moist Escarpment forests/moist blue gum forest. The Upper Hewitts Creek Landcare Group (9 members) has been working to restore native vegetation on the northern bank of upper Hewitts Creek since 2016 This work has been in in conjunction with Armagh Reserve FiReady Group, working adjacent to the Landcare site. The site is rich with wildlife and we have noticed a variety of new species with establishment of native vegetation over time.
Work Plan
To restore native vegetation on the northern bank of upper Hewitts Creek. Dominant native site species were identified to assist in choosing appropriate indigenous species (grasses, shrubs, trees and groundcovers). The aim was to choose plants to assist in outcompeting/shading out weeds, as well as stabilising the creek bank. Weeds were removed in priority order to encourage growth of the soil seed bank and existing native species, and with a focus on protecting the more integrated and healthy areas of bush on site. Progressive plantings started on the outer creek bank where weeded areas were planted with grasses, shrubs and groundcovers, then as we moved towards the inner creek bank and more integrated bush, smaller and then larger trees were planted.
Worst weed!
Maderia vine, turkey rhubarb, blue periwinkle.
Favorite plant and why
Sassafras (Doryphora sassafras) is one of our favourite trees. It has beautiful serrated and glossy leaves and it is adorned with masses of attractive small white flowers during winter. We have a very large and old sassafras on site veiled by native vines. The leafy canopy provides shelter and food to many animals and plants beneath and within: many different bird species, including a pair of powerful owls; numerous insects; possums; snakes; wallabies and bats. This tree provides inspiration of what our site could look like with many more old growth trees over time.
Where to find the group
Working on private property, we meet on the first Saturday of the month and other times if needed.
Location: Upper Hewitts Creek, Thirroul
Email: pmcg8405@gmail.com
Phone: 0437 047 415
