Groups to spring into action for valley replanting

A TRIO of community groups will pitch in together this Sunday, July 11, to replant nature back into Torquay’s Spring Creek valley.

Surfers Appreciating Natural Environment, Surf Coast Energy Group (SCEG) and Torquay Landcare are inviting the community to join them at the planting at Ashmore Arts – a 35-acre site at 55B Ashmore Drive – from 9.30am.

SCEG’s Graeme Stockton said the groups would be planting the endemic and endangered Bellarine yellow gum trees in the valley, as well as indigenous canopy trees such as manna gum, swamp gum, blackwood and bursaria.

“Urban development and land clearing of ecosystems is a big problem globally. As a result, nature is under immense pressure,” he said.

“However, a number of social researchers are now describing a new and growing movement where local communities are stepping in to the breach.”

He said another 60-acre property had just joined the woodland restoration project, and the plan was to hold a planting session there later this year in the spring.

“This blossoming community and local landholder partnership brings path-breaking opportunity to all of us; not just nature,” Mr Stockton said.

“It’s also reason to celebrate; the 100-year Spring Creek Valley Woodland community project has begun.”

Surf Coast Shire deputy mayor Cr Liz Pattison will join the event as a special guest to open the day. Morning tea will be provided.

Under Department of Human Health and Services guidelines for COVID-19, the planting will be limited to 50 people onsite at any one time.

The planting is supported by the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority under its Wild Otways Initiative fund.