The 30 Phillips Avenue site will show successful restoration of a grassland in an urban garden area on a large block. More than 50 plant species have become established and numerous bird species, reptiles and insects have moved in or visited on occasions.
The adjacent 2 ha powerline site demonstrates restoration of previous farm site. Weed control with cultivation, removal of 7 cm of topsoil with grader from central 1 ha and relocation to outer part of site - 7 cm buildup. Direct seeding [Seeding Natives Inc] May 2020. Outer area about 12 native grass species. Inner area added small amounts of about 20 herbs. 34 contours angled across inner area with grader rip lines [3] for water flow control. c 100 grassland species hand planted into the rip lines.
Ongoing weed control methods including boom spraying, spot spraying, chipping, hand weeding, whipper snipping, slashing.
Rewilding success to date Zebra finches and Diamond Firetail finches, range of other seed eating birds - red-rump parrots, crested pigeons plus several reptile species and many insects, spiders ants and bugs.
Landowners will describe the exciting process of establishing and overseeing these transformations from vacant land to thriving small ecosystems. Visitors will be able to see the plants and animals interacting, and find out how this transformation can occur on their own sites for very little cost.
