Sorell Rivulet gets a helping hand
In early August, we headed out to Sorell Rivulet for a community planting day as part of the Rivers to Ramsar project.
We were lucky to have perfect weather and a great turn-out of local community members, project partners and Landcare supporters, all keen to learn more about the restoration works underway and lend a hand planting native species along the rivulet.
Sorell Rivulet is an important local waterway that supports native plants, wildlife and the broader health of the surrounding catchment. It also feeds into Orielton Lagoon, making the health of the rivulet important beyond the immediate project site.
The day began with introductions and an Acknowledgement of Country, followed by short talks from project partners about the broader restoration project, and the importance of ongoing community involvement through Sorell Landcare Group.
We were delighted to have Sorell Mayor Janet Gatehouse attend the event and talk about the role of Council with this project.
A key focus of the day was willow removal and weed management, including why correct technique matters. Crack willow can spread easily if the material is not managed properly, so careful removal is an important step in improving waterway health and preventing further spread.
During the walk and talk, Jimmy Collinson from Wildlands took attendees through practical examples of removing different weeds on site, as well as his approach to revegetation across the project area. This gave the group a clear look at how the restoration work is being planned and delivered on the ground.
One of the highlights of the day was observing Greg Jordan from Woodland Management demonstrate mechanical willow removal in action. In around five minutes, Greg dismantled a full mature crack willow, giving attendees a clear and memorable demonstration of the scale of the works and the machinery involved.
Cassie Strain then led a Meet the Plants session, introducing the various native species being planted and explaining the role they play in healthy riparian ecosystems. A strong riverbank is built in layers, with ground-layer plants helping protect bare soil, shrubs slowing runoff and creating low shelter and food, and trees providing shade, food sources and long-term habitat.
The planting plan includes around 8,000 native plants, with lots of low-growing species to help cover and protect the ground. These will grow alongside shrubs, small trees and canopy trees to create a healthier, more layered habitat for wildlife and a stronger riparian corridor over time.
After the talks and demonstrations, everyone got stuck into planting along the rivulet before coming together for lunch and a chance to catch up, ask questions and connect with others involved in caring for the local environment.
A big thank you to everyone who came along and spent their Saturday helping restore this important local waterway.
We’re grateful to Sorell Landcare, Sorell Council, NRM South, local landholders and contractors for their support and involvement in the project.
This project is funded by the Australian Government’s Natural Heritage Trust under the Urban Rivers and Catchments Program.
If you live in the Sorell area and would like to learn more or get involved with Sorell Landcare, please reach out to [email protected] or Carolyn from Sorell Landcare at [email protected]
