Key Considerations When Undertaking A Bush Regeneration Project
Posted on: 26 July 2016
If you have a patch of remnant bushland on your property, you might want to consider undertaking a bush regeneration project. Bush regeneration is important for Australia's ecology because it helps to preserve habitats for native flora and fauna, which may otherwise be lost through development and modern farming techniques.
Although bush regeneration generally applies to degraded bushland, the site will still require some planting and ongoing management. Your aim will be to replicate a natural ecosystem of native plants and animals that will maintain itself, with just a little help from you.
Here are some of the considerations you'll need to bear in mind before starting a bush regeneration project.
Assess your site
The first thing that you will need to do is assess your site. Have a look at the existing vegetation and try to get a clear image in your mind of what kind of native plants the bush in your area should contain. It's helpful to call in a professional bush regenerator to help you with this task or perhaps arrange for a visit to a site near to your own that is not degraded.
If your site is badly degraded, you may have to import plants and seeds from locally grown stocks.
Weed control
One key aspect of bush regeneration is weed control. Alien weeds can take over areas of native flora, destroying bushland habitats. Your local bushcare expert can help you with this by drawing-up a sketch map, showing the varieties of weeds and their densities on your site. Once you know what types of weeds you're dealing with, you can research the best methods of controlling them and minimising regrowth.
Remember that once the weeds have been cleared, it's highly likely that more will pop up to replace them. This means that you'll have to carry out regular follow-up work on your site to keep the weed regrowth under control until they have been eradicated altogether.
Increase your knowledge of native flora and fauna
A good basic knowledge of how the animals and plants in your habitat interact is very useful in helping you to manage the regenerated bush. A local bush regenerator or naturalist will be able to help you with this.
As the work on your site progresses and the whole project starts to take shape, make notes of what wildlife you observe. If things don't pan out in the way you'd expected, be flexible and discuss your observations with a local bushcare officer or regenerator.
In conclusion
You can help to preserve Australia's native animal and plant life by undertaking a bush regeneration project if you have a suitable area of degraded land on your property. Why not begin your conservation adventure by discussing your ideas with a local bush regenerator.
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