Red Gum Reserve near bridge before removal of exotics
Red Gum Reserve 2021 – The Work Continues
Towards the end of 2020 BFSLG successfully applied for an Environment and Sustainability Grant from Golden Plains Shire to enhance the bio-diversity in Red Gum Reserve.
The eastern end of Red Gum Reserve, where Primrose Creek meets the bluestone bridge, is the remaining section to be revegetated and was ripe for restoration.
The creek bed and banks were littered and clogged with exotics, olive trees, cork elm trees and phalaris. Following a clean up, BFSLCG sprayed the site in preparation for planting in August.
Red Gum Reserve - spraying near the bridge
Eastern Red Gum Reserve — Planting in September 2021
In September, between COVID lockdowns, a restricted number of Year 9 students from Covenant College and BFS Landcare members planted the eastern section of the Red Gum Reserve.
Woody weeds clogging up the Primrose Creek water course had been removed earlier in the year.
Red Gum Reserve - woody weeds before removal
The woody weeds were replaced with indigenous riparian grasses. These grasses filter the water that flows from Primrose Creek through the Reserve on its way to the Moorabool River. They will also enhance biodiversity by providing habitat for a variety of native fauna, including a number of bird species, echidnas, kangaroos, reptiles and insects.
Red Gum Reserve - holes dug ready for planting
Covenant College students from Year 9 planting indigenous grasses
Educational opportunities
Covenant College students have participated in the regeneration of Red Gum Reserve for 10 years. This site provides excellent educational opportunities. In February 2021 they visited the Reserve to view the site prior to the removal of trees and suckers, and to discuss site preparation and planting.
Covenant College students at Red Gum Reserve
Dale Smithyman — Natural Resources Officer with Golden Plains Shire — continues the work of introducing students from Covenant College to the locally indigenous flora of Batesford and surrounding areas.
Covenant College students with Dale Smithyman in Red Gum Reserve
In Batesford we are fortunate to have access to three wonderful reserves for recreation:
- the Moorabool River Reserve,
- the Dog Rocks Reserve and
- the Red Gum Reserve.
These reserves help strengthen the health and well-being of our community. This has been especially true during the 2020–21 COVID lockdowns.