Ecological restoration

Ecological restoration plan

In 2020 the Bushcare Group adopted a specific Ecological Restoration Plan for the upper catchment of Lawson Creek, Lawson, Blue Mountains.

What is ecological restoration?

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).

The environmental condition of the upper catchment significantly influences the ecological health of Lawson Creek. Fortunately, the upper catchment features some good sections of indigenous vegetation, and regular visitation by indigenous animals.

Unfortunately though, dense infestations of Privet, Japanese Honeysuckle, Juncus microcephalus and Blackberry are also present in the upper catchment. The seed of these weeds floats down Lawson Creek, and germinates on creek banks. Also, birds distribute the seed.

Additionally, loose sediments in the upper catchment e.g. sand, gravel, require stabilisation. Unless stabilised, these sediments can destroy Lawson Creek fauna habitat.

The Bushcare Group’s aspiration is to restore the upper catchment area to a condition that facilitates its ongoing ecological development and functioning as swamp, riparian and forest communities. Major goals are to progressively remove weed species, and stabilise sediments with indigenous vegetation.

The Ecological Restoration Plan can be accessed here:

Ecological restoration area — measuring progress

The Bushcare Group records the implementation of the ecological restoration plan, and progress made on the upper catchment site. The group maintains three types of records:

  • notes on restoration activities conducted in the upper catchment, and site condition (see Home);

  • Recovery Wheels, which record baseline and ongoing site data (plants, animals, soil, water quality, ecological functioning etc.), enabling ongoing measurement of progress (see Plan);

  • photographs.

The photographic record is presented here.

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

“Before” and “after” photographs help to record restoration 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

Herbicide treatment of weed Ginger Lily (Hedychium gardnerianum) ecological restoration area #4 Photo: P Ardill 2023
Herbicide treatment of weed Ginger Lily (Hedychium gardnerianum) ecological restoration area #4 Photo: P Ardill 2023
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 restoration area #1 May 2023 Photo: P Ardill
Replacement of Privet by planting of indigenous plants ER area #1 west. Limited natural regeneration Photo: P Ardill July 2023
Replacement of Privet by planting of indigenous plants ER area #1 west. Limited natural regeneration Photo: P Ardill July 2023

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(The South Lawson Park Bushcare Group website, including text and analysis, is managed by Peter Ardill. Australian Copyright Act 1968 applies. Text, media and all other contents of this site are subject to copyright. Many thanks to the members of South Lawson Park Bushcare Group, BMCC Bushcare Officer and Second Minutes Hours Productions for their contribution of images to this website)