26 marine parade dune restoration
A local property owner noticed a long term decline in the height and health of the dune opposite 26 Marine Parade.
Photos of the dune taken in August 2015 highlighting an abundance of exotic weeds with few natives
After gaining Council and Community Board permission he began a planting project in 2009. Muehlenbeckia Complexa grown from existing dune plant cuttings were planted annually with limited success.
After seeking advice from Beachcare's Jim Dahm in early 2015 the following suggestions were made:
After seeking advice from Beachcare's Jim Dahm in early 2015 the following suggestions were made:
- All weeds on the site needed to be completely removed
- Muehlenbeckia needed to be planted together with Oi Oi (Knobby Club Rush) more densely
Employing a method used successfully on other sites, Jim and the Beachcare Group organised the solution below in September 2015:
STEP 1
Large holes were dug in the dune.
The clean sand obtained from these holes was then put to one side.
Large holes were dug in the dune.
The clean sand obtained from these holes was then put to one side.
STEP 2
The top layer of the dune containing old sand and weeds was then removed and buried into the previously dug holes.
The top layer of the dune containing old sand and weeds was then removed and buried into the previously dug holes.
STEP 3
The clean sand stockpiled earlier was then spread over the dune providing an ideal home for the new plants.
The clean sand stockpiled earlier was then spread over the dune providing an ideal home for the new plants.
STEP 4
The Beachcare Group arrive with the new plants.
The Beachcare Group arrive with the new plants.
STEP 5
The community working with the Beachcare Group on the September 12th Planting Day.
The community working with the Beachcare Group on the September 12th Planting Day.
With a clean, weed free dune, and a wonderful community effort, the new plants have thrived and nearly 2 years later the transformation is very successful.
August 2015
June 2017
