Dig in and help with planting this weekend

A SERIES of community environment days hosted by Bellarine Bayside will return this year, with the first kicking off at the weekend.

A Portarlington Community Planting Day will be held this Sunday between 10.30am and 12.30pm.

Local residents are encouraged to join in to get your hands dirty and help improve the local environment by planting indigenous trees, shrubs and grasses.

Bellarine Bayside’s environment and planning manager, Justin Smith, said the Committee of Management was once again looking forward to community members helping to improve the reserve through its planting program, while enjoying the magnificent coast.

“The days are one of the best ways for people of all ages to learn more about the local environment by planting trees, shrubs and grasses alongside our conservation staff,” Mr Smith said.

“There are many mutual benefits to participating in a community planting day – not only are there improvements to the coastal environment, but research by Planet Ark has shown spending time in and connecting with nature provides a range of benefits to people’s wellbeing.

“They’re also a bit of fun and a great social activity.”

Join Bellarine Bayside to get your hands dirty and help the local environment on Sunday, June 27 in Portarlington, Saturday, July 10 in Indented Head or Sunday, August 1 in St Leonards.

The fun, family-friendly day activities are suitable for all ages with parent or guardian supervision required for all children.

For more details and to register your participation, please contact Bellarine Bayside on [email protected] or 5254 4000.