Yesterday, I donned my gardening gear to help our dedicated environmental volunteers working on revegetating the Seacliff Dunes. Luckily the weather was sunny and mild and the 10am start meant I didn’t have to skip breakfast. Although I arrived 10 minutes early, the volunteers were already hard at work digging and planting. The digging in pure sand was so easy. We encased each plant with a plastic shelter and anchored the latter with wooden stakes.
The Brighton to Seacliff Dunes was once a source of food and shelter for the region’s original inhabitants – the Kaurna Aboriginal community. The dunes formed part of an extensive and complex system sustained by natural processes. Following decades of erosion, a sand replenishment program was started in the 1980’s and the reinstatement of remnant vegetation began in the late 1990’s. Despite all efforts to preserve the vegetation there was some inevitable damage during the recent installation of a sand transfer pipeline.
Here we are, enjoying the sea breeze, sunshine and good company.
The aim of the revegetation project is to plant over 30,000 native and indigenous plants along the dunes, and to recreate the valuable plant communities that grew there many years ago. This will help restore the dunes back to their original state.
On Community Planting Days, individuals and families are encouraged to join the Environmental Volunteers. It’s a great way to learn more about our local environment and make a positive difference – and there’s a free BBQ after each session. Registration isn’t required and all equipment, including gloves, is supplied on the day. Each session runs from 10am until midday. Children are welcome to join in and must have a parent or guardian with them. You do not have to be a resident of Holdfast Bay to participate.
Here I am with Mike Hemus – Holdfast Bay’s dedicated Coast and Biodiversity Project Officer.
Here is the date and meeting place for our next Community Planting Days:
- Sunday 3 August 2014 | Tjilbruke Springs (Meet at the Brighton Caravan Park car park, Kingston Park)
- Thursday 14 August 2014 | Minda Dunes (Meet at the corner of Repton Road and the Esplanade, Somerton Park)
If you are interested in regular volunteering, contact Mike on 8229 9915 or email to mhemus@holdfast.sa.gov.au
