Stansfield Reserve Project Underway

On Thursday 14 August, the much-anticipated Origin Energy–funded bush regeneration project at Stansfield Reserve got underway, bringing together professional bush regenerators and local volunteers.

The day began early with Suzanne Pritchard taking Sally Alldis from the Bushland and Rainforest Restoration & Consulting (BARRC) team on a tour of the reserve. This walk provided an overview of the site’s potential and challenges, including the effects of a past burn, neighbour concerns and the extent of weed invasion.

By 8am, ten local landcarers gathered at Progress Hall with project leader Sally and her colleague Jenni to discuss the strategy. Maps in hand, the group soon moved into the reserve, forming a line across the ridge and working upwards; gravity has an impact on seed dispersal. Targets included Ground Asparagus (Asparagus aethiopicus), Bitou Bush (Chrysanthemoides monilifera) and Corky Passionfruit (Passiflora suberosa).

Sally and Jenni shared tips on best practice removal, including “rafting” weeds into nearby shrubs to decompose naturally. Even the stubborn asparagus crowns were managed by stripping their water vesicles to prevent regrowth and once hung in a tree was easy to keep track of who had been where.

Morning tea back at the hall offered cakes, biscuits and plenty of conversation before work resumed. With further days planned this year and follow-up next year, the project marks a strong start in restoring this important reserve right behind our community hall.

BARRC in the bush days: 25 Sept, 20 Nov at Stansfield Reserve.Meet behind the Hall, 197 Skye Pt Rd.