Flora at Big Swamp
After its use for market gardening (see ‘About’), virtually the only remnant vegetation at the wetland was a stand of Paperbarks (Melaleuca rhaphiophylla) on the eastern and northern boundaries. The diversity of plant species seen today is a result of many years of community effort to establish and maintain native vegetation.
Friends of Big Swamp began by planting trees on the west side in 1995. Following this, in July 1996, the consultant Bernie Masters organised a community planting day when the newly created islands and the perimeter were planted. Friends of Big Swamp have continued with follow-up revegetation planting each winter (a list of these species is included below)
In 2001-2003 Conservation Volunteers Australia managed a Green Reserve Project at Bg Swamp when hundreds of trees were planted and hundreds of hours of weeding were completed. Friends of Big Swamp members supervised and worked with volunteers during these projects.
A flora survey carried out in November 2006 (Report for Big Swamp Flora and Fauna Assessment: Results of a Field Survey, Jan 2007, GHD Pty Ltd) identified 23 native species typical of this area; 27 that were Australian native but not local; and 46 weed species including garden escapees such as Oleander and Fig.
After its use for market gardening (see ‘About’), virtually the only remnant vegetation at the wetland was a stand of Paperbarks (Melaleuca rhaphiophylla) on the eastern and northern boundaries. The diversity of plant species seen today is a result of many years of community effort to establish and maintain native vegetation.
Friends of Big Swamp began by planting trees on the west side in 1995. Following this, in July 1996, the consultant Bernie Masters organised a community planting day when the newly created islands and the perimeter were planted. Friends of Big Swamp have continued with follow-up revegetation planting each winter (a list of these species is included below)
In 2001-2003 Conservation Volunteers Australia managed a Green Reserve Project at Bg Swamp when hundreds of trees were planted and hundreds of hours of weeding were completed. Friends of Big Swamp members supervised and worked with volunteers during these projects.
A flora survey carried out in November 2006 (Report for Big Swamp Flora and Fauna Assessment: Results of a Field Survey, Jan 2007, GHD Pty Ltd) identified 23 native species typical of this area; 27 that were Australian native but not local; and 46 weed species including garden escapees such as Oleander and Fig.
