Ecological restoration

Ecological restoration plan

Ecological restoration is the process of assisting the recovery of an ecosystem that
has been degraded, damaged or destroyed
(Society for Ecological Restoration 2004)

The goal of ecological restoration is full recovery, insofar as possiblein some cases, constraints may limit potential to less than full level of recovery. Such cases can still be referred to as ecological restoration projects as long as the aim is for substantial recovery relative to the appropriate local native reference ecosystem (Society for Ecological Restoration Australasia 2017).

In 2020 the Bushcare Group adopted a specific Ecological Restoration Plan for the upper catchment of Lawson Creek, Lawson, Blue Mountains. This catchment area is an important component of the entire bushcare site, and features some good stands of indigenous vegetation, and regular visitation by indigenous animals. Unfortunately though, dense infestations of Privet, Japanese Honeysuckle and Blackberry are also present. The Bushcare Group’s aspiration is to restore the catchment area to a condition that facilitates its ongoing ecological development and functioning as swamp, riparian and forest communities.

Access the complete plan here.

Click on an image to view features of the ecological restoration site

Ecological restoration area — measuring progress

Swamp ecological restoration area with major weed infestation at right Dec 2018 Photo: P ArdillSwamp ecological restoration area with major weed infestation treated Dec 2021 Photo: P Ardill
Before: Ecological restoration area #2 swamp with major weed infestation at centre-right Dec 2018; After: same area with weed infestation treated Dec 2021 Photos: P Ardill
Before: Lawson Creek tributary east Waratah Street ecological restoration area June 2022 Photo: P ArdillAfter: Lawson Creek tributary east Waratah Street ecological restoration area October 2022 Photo: P Ardill
Before: Lawson Creek tributary east Waratah Street ecological restoration area #3 June 2022 After: numerous Rough Tree Ferns recovered after Privet removed October 2022 Photos: P Ardill

Planting of Hakea sp. and Leptospermum sp. in mini headcut ecological reastoration area #1 May 2023 Photo: P Ardill
Planting of Hakea sp. and Leptospermum sp. in mini headcut ecological reastoration area #1 May 2023 Photo: P Ardill

(Copyright: Australian Copyright Act 1968 applies. The contents of this page including downloads, text, tables, charts and media are subject to copyright. The South Lawson Park Ecological Restoration Plan may not be reproduced for purposes relating to financial gain. The South Lawson Park website is managed by Peter Ardill)