Werri Beach Landcare Group - Landcare Illawarra

Location: Kiama

We have a Vegetation Management Plan that documents all the plant species within each of the 24 bays that make up the dune system at Werri Beach, which is about a kilometre long.

Location
Werri Beach, Gerringong

History
Werri Beach Duncare has been working restoring native vegetation on the dunes of Werri Beach for over 20 years. It’s been a courageous battle and we have had some successes. We gained funding to remove the Madeira Vine in an area around a Myoporum tree across from the Surf Club, and contained Coastal Morning Glory to one Bay. We’ve been involved in National Tree Day plantings as well as protests against the removal of Banksias in the dunes. We even had a celebration with live music, art and sand sculptures in 2011.

Work plan
We have a Vegetation Management Plan that documents all the plant species within each of the 24 bays that make up the dune system at Werri Beach, which is about a kilometre long. The plan also outlines strategies for weed control. There is also a Kiama Municipal Council Plan of Management which outlines activities to take place in the reserve.

Worst weed!
Asparagus Fern. We spend almost all of our time digging it out and replanting. Helpfully, other native dune species pop up in its place but they don’t grow as fast as the Asparagus Fern.

Favourite plant and why
Hard to choose, but when it comes to sheer durability – Correa alba. It spreads effectively with little help and forms large dense bushes that make great insect and small bird habitat. These dense hedges of Correa also reduce weed invasion. This coastal Correa has beautiful round blue-grey leaves with hairs underneath which can give it a two-tone effect and it produces masses of white star shaped flowers.