Rehabilitation of riparian areas along Swamp Creek in Abermain
Four areas of creek bank have been restored using various methods and trials in each area. The biggest problem was removal of Giant Reed or Elephant Grass as it is sometimes known. Sites were replanted after removal of reeds.
Sir Edgeworth David, the famed explorer, found coal in Swamp Creek thus leading to the establishment of 'the Coalfields' of the Hunter Valley. Years of degradation from mine acid runoff and siltation since the local mine closed, led to the formation of Abermain Landcare to "clean up the creek".
In our first reed removal project the reed was dug out by back hoe, a special back hoe that trod lightly on the soil and did not compact it. The area was then replanted by a working bee including Girl Guides and school children with local Landcarers on National Tree Day. This site had an excellent growth rate and minimal regrowth of reed. Regrowth was treated by the cut and paste method with round up. Each individual cane needs to be cut and immediately filled with poison before it self seals with sap.
Downstream a team from CVA cut and pasted a large area by hand. This proved less efficient and had more regrowth. Unfortunately not long after that the flood came through and wiped out all the newly planted trees and the area was bulldozed by council. (See photo in gallery).
Other projects we have worked on have been an area further downstream yet again near the railway line, again riparian works including feral tree removal and planting out with natives. Camphor Laurel and privit are our biggest headaches as a lot of locals like their shady camphor laurel trees and privit hedges.
An education campaign to improve knowledge about the creek, the dangers of garden escapees and mower clippings over the fence, has resulted in many more creek bank areas neat and tidy and well maintained.