The Wildwood Landcare Group was recently awarded the Meander Valley Community Project of the Year award at the Meander Valley Council Australia Day Awards. Committee President, Peter Hansen stated that “The Group is honoured to receive this award, which reflects a recognition of the dedication and countless volunteer hours contributed to Wildwood over the past year”. Special thanks were also given to Wildwood Ambassador Meghan Tabor, whose heartfelt acceptance speech during the award ceremony was appreciated by all.
In late January, Committee President Peter Hansen, Treasurer Jaqui Stacey, and Public Officer Richard Colman had the pleasure of showing Greens MP Tabatha Badger and her assistant Kate Johnson around the Wildwood. During the tour, the group discussed various challenges, such as managing invasive species and the ongoing recovery from flood and wind damage.
When asked of her impressions of the work being undertaken in the Wildwood, Tabatha Badger commented “Wildwood is an exemplary example of a community coming together to protect and conserve integral local ecosystems. The flood mitigation and overall site integrity that will be achieved through the Wildwood Landcare Group’s ambitious long-term plan will benefit Deloraine and all downstream of the Meander River location.
Indeed, the ground-work is already paying off, with the worst effects of the 2024 wild winds and flooding being alleviated at the site by the early Landcare efforts revegetating the riparian zone”.
Current Wildwood restoration efforts continue, and local walkers may have noticed some of the willows near the swamp area have been treated, using a new injection tool to control their spread. This innovative tool allows for more precise, controlled and efficient chemical application, enhancing operator safety, and increasing cost-effectiveness.
The willows will be replaced with native species during Winter. Currently, members are propagating a variety of plants, including Christmas Bush, Dolly Bush, Correa, Bottlebrush, and River Trident bush, with additional plants to be purchased from local growers.
Unfortunately, the Wildwood has recently been impacted by theft, with around 20 large wooden stakes used to secure tree guards stolen, leaving the guards vulnerable to being blown away by wind or washed away by flood. The guards are also essential to protect young plants from destruction by resident native wildlife. The stakes must be replaced, doubling the volunteer hours required for installation and increasing purchasing costs.
In 2024, more than 30 volunteers attended Wildwood working bees, making restoration aims such as the planting and protection of young trees possible. A special highlight has been the attendance of the children and grandchildren of Wildwood members, who have enthusiastically joined in, ensuring a strong future for the Group’s Landcare efforts.
The Wildwood continues to be vibrant with activity, with members and volunteers committed to enhancing the area for all to enjoy. To become involved, contact Wildwood Landcare Committee’s President, Peter Hansen, 0419 025 792, or email wildwood@landcaretas.org.au.
