7 June 2016
HUNTER REGION PARTNERS RESTORING MIGRATORY SHOREBIRD HABITAT
A partnership between local environmental organisations and the NSW State Government is having a big impact on restoring shorebird habitat in the Hunter Wetlands National Park.
Hunter Wetlands National Park is the most significant migratory shorebird site in New South Wales, providing vital habitat for 37 species that travel there every year from as far afield as Siberia, Alaska and Northern China. The Park is a designated site on the East-Asian Australasian Flyway and includes a Ramsar-listed wetland of international significance.
Conservation Volunteers Australia (CVA) received funding from the NSW Environmental Trust for a two-year project to restore the shorebird habitat. CVA is working closely with WetlandCare Australia, Hunter Bird Observers Club and the New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service to achieve the project outcomes.
Migratory shorebirds need a clear line-of-sight to feel safe from predators while feeding and roosting. CVA has engaged volunteer teams to help remove mangroves, which encroach on the saltmarsh habitat used by shorebirds and prevent clear views of their surrounds. This activity is subject to a license from the NSW Department of Primary Industries.
CVA is also treating the invasive weed Juncus acutus. WetlandCare Australia has supported this activity by conducting scientific trials to ascertain the most cost effective method of Juncus acutus control. The results to date show that foliar spray with a 1:50 solution of Glyphosate plus surfactant is the most effective treatment method. Glyphosate without surfactant is showing promising results.
Hunter Bird Observers Club leads the mangrove control work and contributes monthly shorebird monitoring data to understand trends in the estuary.
Louise Duff, Hunter Region Manager with WetlandCare Australia says: “this project is a great example of what we can achieve with the combined strengths of Conservation Volunteers Australia and WetlandCare Australia. Our strong links with local community groups and land management agencies is an excellent platform for wetland restoration. Working together we can really make a difference.”
The project is now at the end of its first year.
Further information:
Louise Duff
Email: louiseduff@wetlandcare.com.au
Photo: Volunteers from Conservation Volunteers Australia removing mangroves to restore shorebird habitat in the Hunter Wetlands National Park. Photo courtesy of Conservation Volunteers Australia.
