Diamond Park on Gateway Island has been receiving special treatment over recent weeks, with our Bush Recovery team systematically removing woody weeds as the first step in restoration of the natural vegetation in this section of the Murray river corridor.

Funded by our ‘Bonegilla Bat Biodiversity’ grant from the Australian government’s Landcare Led Bushfire Recovery fund, the team are currently tackling major infestations of Tree of Heaven, Blackberry, Broad-leafed Privet and Ash on Flanagan’s creek.

They are ably supported by our newest volunteer Steve Panozzo, who appears to have retired from full-time work to full-time volunteering – picking up his love of nature and experience in a former career as a National Parks Ranger. All hands are much appreciated for this particular project, so a big thank you to Steve!

The key threatening process for Grey-headed flying foxes is loss of foraging habitat in our region. Good flying fox habitat provides a consistent supply of blossom and fruit, requiring a range of species such as Banksia, River Red gum, Yellow box and Ironbark.

The Diamond Park site has some remnant River Red gums, but lacks the species range and has been badly infested by aggressive woody weeds. As the photos below of one particular patch show, the weeds are thick, but no match for a coordinated effort. Once the weeds have been removed, the team will spray regrowth and replant come winter with a range of native species for use by flying foxes.

Volunteers are most welcome to join Steve Panozzo and the Gateway Island River Stewards. Please see more in our recent web article, or sign up as a volunteer here