Vale of Clwydd Creek Project
Vale of Clwydd Creek Project
Saving our creek
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LLCI002-003
The issue
The vale of Clwydd Creek is an urban tributary of the upper Cox's River catchment, eventually feeding into Sydney's drinking water supply.
Historically infested with willows and other woody weeds, an integrated program of control works commenced in 2012. The dense monoculture of weeds had modified instream flows and temperatures, significantly decreasing aquatic and terrestrial biodiversity.
The solution
Collaboration between Lithgow Oberon Landcare, Central Tablelands Local Land Services and Lithgow City Council commenced with an invitation for participation extended to the wider community.
A number of planting days were facilitated to assist with the re-establishment of suitable riparian species following contracted willow control works along the Vale of Clwydd Creek. The planting days allowed involvement by local neighbours that border the Creek reserve and the wider community to come and help 'save our creek'.
The impact
A staged approach to removing the woody weeds and re-establishing native vegetation has provided the system time for a gradual and progressive recovery, allowing for infilling with an enriched variety of species and for the continued engagement of locals at the planting events.
Engaging and interacting with the local community has been vital to the success of the program of works. By creating a sense of stewardship and ownership neighbours can assist in the longer term management and maintenance of the site.
Learnings
Creek and tributary corridors provide valuable connections and important resources for a range of wildlife.
Targeting source-point weeds in the upper catchment will substantially improve the aquatic health and biodiversity of the downstream environment.
Working together to overcome the challenges and linking people to the environment helps make both the environment and the community stronger.
Key facts
- Neighbours living next to the reserve and the wider community were invited to help establish 300 native plants to help save their creek.
- Developing a strategic catchment-based approach with funding bodies and other partners strengthened the initial bid for willow removal and subsequent plantings.