LOCATION
Fyansford, Geelong
DURATION
2017-2021
OBJECTIVE
Recreate grassy woodland
Project Summary
An ambitious 1.5-hectare revegetation of heavily disturbed quarry land in Fyansford, this project reconnected a residential subdivision with the Moorabool River using a combination of direct seeding and strategic planting. Landscape architects were integral in shaping a unified open space, with species guided by the site’s original Ecological Vegetation Class (EVC).
12kg
Native grass seed sown
17,000 +
Trees, shrubs and ground cover planted
Background
Located along the Moorabool River in Fyansford approx. 5km from the centre of Geelong. Part of the residential subdivision in Fyansford. Stages 1 and 2 of the river corridor revegetation area totals an area of just under 1.5 hectares.
The natural area and landforms had been highly modified due to the site formally being home to a quarry with historic dumping of fill material. The site has been extensively rehabilitated and remediated prior to landscape and revegetation works commencing.
The revegetation design was completed along with the broader open and play space areas by the Landscape Architects to tie all the areas together. The historic EVC was used as a guide for species selection, and it was decided that to achieve the best results and combination of direct seeding and planting would be used.
Figure 1: November 2017
Prior to weed control beginning the site was covered in weeds such as Mustard Weed, Carpet Weed, Boxthorn and Various species of Thistle.
Figure 2: May 2019
Planting continues and the direct seeding areas to the right ready for sowing.
Figure 3: September 2020
Looking north – The site has established well and starting to look like a natural landscape.
Figure 4: September 2020
Looking South – Established well, the different revegetation methods used have worked well together.
The Project
An intensive weeds control program over an 18-month period began in Summer 2017/18. Initial the weedy biomass and woody weeds were removed, then regular weed control visit followed to reduce the weed load prior to seeding works. Some planting of larger trees and shrubs occurred during this first stage of preparation also.
Areas that were to be planted only were planted out after approximately 12 months. This included the installation of mulch on flat areas and jute matting on the riverbanks to reduce erosion and suppress weeds. Areas that could not be jute matted on the riverbanks were prepared for seeding, this included sections that were rocky or where elm thickets had been removed.
In Autumn 2019 the remainder of the site was direct seeded with native grasses. The mix included Rytidosperma spp. (Wallaby Grass), Themeda triandra (Kangaroo grass), Austrostipa spp. (Spear Grass), Microlaena stipoides (Weeping Grass) and Poa Labillardierei (Common tussock Grass).
Following the seeding of native grasses, the remaining plants were installed. This included the remaining trees and shrubs as well as some smaller plants and ground covers. Bulbine bulbosa (Bulbine lily), Arthropodium strictum (Chocolate lily), Dianella admixta (Black anther Flax Lily) were amongst some of the wildflower planted in the grassy areas above the riverbanks.
Unfortunately, some unforeseen civil works had to take place shortly after the revegetation work were completed and some of the site had to be re-seeded and planted a few months later. There was a delay in these disturbed areas establishing, however the following season saw then fill in and establish well.
A two-year maintenance period followed the seeding before being handed over to the local council. This has allowed for the native grasses to establish while removing any weed competition.
The Outcome
Over 17,000 plants have been planted and 12kg of mixed native grass seed sown as part of the project. The site has established well and will continue to change over time as the trees and shrubs grow. Many local residents that moved into the area enjoy the space and regularly comment on the site’s aesthetics. The areas of open space, playground and now sporting facilities with adjacent wetland that surround the space all work in well and contrast each other well. The river corridor feels natural and alive again, the birds also seem to appreciate the newly created space.