Volunteers recognised for caring for their coast

AMONG many volunteer groups completing inspiring work across the region, Bellarine Bayside has two very active volunteer groups working on the northern Bellarine coastline.

The Friends of Point Richards Flora and Fauna Reserve and BeachWatch have been working hard in growing their numbers and their dedication to engage and learn about the coast and native flora and fauna.

In 2017, Bellarine Bayside launched a citizen science program, BeachWatch.

The program aims to engage the community in monitoring changes along our coastline.

Using survey equipment, volunteers measure sand losses and gains at 20 marker posts scattered along the northern Bellarine coast.

The program aims to support community stewardship of the coastline while gaining scientifically rigorous long-term data.

Recently, BeachWatch volunteers participated in a workshop hosted by Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning and Bellarine Bayside.

The guest speakers Tony Miner (geotechnical engineer) and Neville Rosengren (geomorphologist) were well received by the community, as they learnt about sand monitoring and coastal geomorphology.

In celebration of National Volunteer Week, The Friends of Point Richards Flora and Fauna Reserve recently caught up for morning tea, hosted by Bellarine Bayside to thank the volunteers for their hard work.

The Friends help protect and restore the biodiversity of the 62-hectare reserve, which is home to ephemeral wetlands, the nationally vulnerable Growling Grass Frog, and a wide diversity of coastal woodlands and wetland bird species.

To volunteer for BeachWatch or Friends of Point Richards email [email protected].