Region’s Landcare proactivity recognised

THE Corangamite Catchment Management Authority are celebrating four local groups as part of their Corangamite Landcare Volunteer Recognition Program.

Ross Creek Landcare Group, Napoleons Enfield Landcare Group, Woady Yaloak Catchment Group and Yarrowee Leigh Catchment Group are all in CCMA’s spotlight for their volunteer work protecting and improving the health of the region’s natural green spaces and waterways.

Napoleons Enfield Landcare Group secretary, Jenny Ryle said it’s great to be acknowleged for their ongoing work, which can fly under the radar.

“It’s nice to know people are interested. Sometimes it’s hidden work, but we’ve got a very active little group here,” she said.

“This week we’ve been putting in the last of our plantings for the season on public land by the Yarrowee River at Scotchmans Lead, downstream from Franklin Bridge.

“We’ve put in 2300 trees this winter season, which is probably a record despite COVID. That’s 32 species, including gums and acacias, shrubs and grasses.”

The group has covered about eight hectares along the river, which was covered in weedy grass, hemlock, gorse, and blackberries.

Ms Ryle said the river was inaccessible, but now there are open, beautiful views along that section of the Yarrowee. The group has also seen native bird and mammal species return to the area.

“It’s all about the biodiversity, because we’ve lost that. These rivers have been damaged by the gold rush, and there’s been a lot of sediment and weed coming down.

“For a while, a lot of pollution was too, but The City of Ballarat have worked to clear the river quality, so we’re complimenting that by retaining the biodiversity and putting in lots of new plant species along the river,” she said.

The banks of the Union Jack Creek which flows into the Yarrowee, and Glassons Road in Cambrian Hill have also recently seen some work from Napoleons Enfield Landcare Group.