We're restoring Wet Forest habitat at Battery Creek

More than 40 volunteers joined us on Saturday 8 August to plant 1,100 native seedlings along Battery Creek in Fish Creek, restoring vital Wet Forest habitat and building on revegetation work already underway in the Hoddle Range.

We delivered the Battery Creek Community Planting Day in partnership with South Gippsland Water, with expert support from Waratah Conservation. ID Ecological generously donated wallaby-proof tree guards for the project.

Battery Creek Reservoir sits within the Hoddle Range, at the halfway point of a rainforest-to-coast biolink, and provides drinking water for the Fish Creek township. Restoring vegetation along the creek lines that feed into the reservoir creates habitat and boosts biodiversity, while also protecting water quality by stabilising the banks and reducing erosion.

Ryan Butler, Environmental Manager at South Gippsland Water, said the day reflected the value of restoration work done in partnership with the community.

"This planting day is a great example of environmental restoration and community action working together. We're protecting the Fish Creek water supply while enhancing habitat across the Hoddle Range, and the fantastic community turnout shows how much people care about both," Ryan said.

Volunteers walked over the range to reach the planting site, then spent the morning putting 1,100 plants, stakes and guards into the ground before a BBQ lunch supplied by South Gippsland Water.

Our Chair, Anda Banikos, said the day's achievements went beyond the plants in the ground.

"Not only do community planting days help restore the landscape, they generate the less tangible successes of connections and conversations in the community," Anda said.

Given the difficulty of reaching the site, our volunteers faced a physically demanding day, walking in on foot before planting, staking and guarding the full 1,100 plants. By the afternoon, there was a shared sense of relief and quiet triumph as the group looked back over the newly guarded section, reflecting on what we'd achieved together.

We thank every volunteer who gave up their Saturday to help restore habitat along a creek that matters to the whole Fish Creek community, as well as South Gippsland Water, Waratah Conservation, ID Ecological and Fish Creek Landcare for their support in making the day possible.

This planting day is the latest milestone in our ongoing partnership with South Gippsland Water, with further opportunities ahead for community members and adjoining landholders to take part in restoring habitat on the Hoddle. To find out more or register your interest, subscribe to our newsletter at www.promcoastecolink.org.