Historical erosion processes have significantly altered the underlying hydrology within our landscape, in turn affecting the resilience of production and ecological systems to this day. Relatively simple measures can be undertaken within the existing regulations to restore some of these dysfunctional processes and boost primary production and ecological values in the process.

During this field day we will visit two local sites on which some great rehabilitation success has been achieved as well as a degraded site to discuss practical rehabilitation possibilities and design considerations.

We will be joined by guest presenter Cam Wilson, who will bring his extensive practical experience, both at machinery and human scales, combined with postgraduate studies at the ANU, to provide a unique insight into each of the sites. Cam’s experience in this field includes the management of Peter Andrews’ creek rehabilitation project on Mulloon Creek, erosion control education, planning and practical implementation with numerous Landcare groups in the Southern Tablelands, and the implementation of significant wetland and floodplain rehabilitation projects within the current regulatory framework.

A rehabilitated erosion gully, now slowing and storing moisture, boosting surrounding production and providing valuable aquatic habitat.

A simple log and brush structure built by volunteers using woody weeds, helping to slow flow, capture sediment and facilitate the establishment of vegetative processes that provide the most effective long-term repair mechanism.

Pasture response on Cadfor, near Crookwell, 1 year after approved works reinstated connectivity between an incised channel and the adjacent floodplain.