Cooks River naturalisation has started

Belfield side of the Cooks River

Whiddon Reserve side of the river

About a month ago we went to have a look at the restoration of the Cooks River at Whiddons Reserve in Croydon Park – or Belfield on the other side of the river.  I first wrote about this work here – http://bit.ly/1wXDIzg

The work had almost been completed & what has been achieved is impressive.  Sydney Water has done a terrific job.

26,000 native plants have been planted on both sides of the river. These consist of saltmarsh, sedges, rushes, shrubs & trees. It will be wonderful to see what it all looks like when they have grown.

Unfortunately one of the mature Hill’s Fig trees in Whiddon Reserve had been removed with another in the process of removal. I hope they are replaced with other Figs – for the wildlife, the wonderful shade & beauty these trees provide & for the wow factor that Fig trees provide.  There is room.

Sydney Water has also installed a compressed clay path, which I love. I have been interested in the longevity of the compressed clay path at Cup & Saucer Creek Wetland.  It is still doing well after around three years of foot traffic, bicycles & weather.

While I was initially surprised that the concrete floor of the river had not been removed, after thinking about it decided that it was probably not done due to a high cost factor & because this section of the river floods. Concrete would prevent soil erosion & silt build-up further downstream.

The whole site looks fabulous & Sydney Water has done a wonderful job in beautifying what was essentially a large concrete drain. The community that lives nearby have had their local environment greatly improved & it will only get better as the plants grow & the wildlife move in. It is also a massive boost for biodiversity, which is always welcome.

I made a short video here –

Looking towards the bridge at Second Avenue.

Masses of plants & places for wildlife. Eventually the fencing will be removed.

Everywhere I looked there were a range of plants. Not just native grasses, but shrubs as well. There is quite a variety in this photo.

Showing some of the new plants at Whiddon Reserve