A once-thriving Australian wetlands that was artificially drained and farmed for over a century is making a comeback thanks to a huge restoration project led by the Nature Glenelg Trust.
The Walker Swamp Restoration Reserve, situated in the southern Grampians region adjacent to the Grampians National Park in Victoria, is now welcoming life once again thanks to a partnership between Nature Glenelg Trust (NGT), Glenelg Hopkins CMA and the Hamilton Field Naturalists Club (HFNC) which bought the swamp in 2018.
The wetland was drained decades ago in an attempt to open up the floodplain for agricultural land use, and more recently plantation forestry, which left the site in a modified state.
In order to return Walker Swamp back to wetlands, the 1,035-acre blue-gum plantation was stripped of trees and allowed to flood.
The newly restored wetlands are within a natural floodplain of the Wannon River, and lie at the foot of the Serra Ranges in the Grampians National Park. Many of the species returning to the wetland are endangered or threatened, and endemic to the area, like the western swamp crayfish.
Image Source: Nature Glenelg Trust
Rosa Medea is Life & Soul Magazine’s Chief. She writes about lifestyle including sustainable and green living.
Life & Soul Magazine 