Enjoying the autumn view at Mt Burr Swamp – what a difference a year makes!

When it comes to any wetland, a lot can happen in 12 months – as we discovered with so many swamps across the region with the recent wet spring.

But at Mt Burr Swamp, our restoration structure installed 7 months ago has had a particularly dramatic effect – one that should (fingers crossed) now see the wetland hold water right through the autumn until next winter. Because of the impact of artificial drainage over the years, this is something that hasn’t happened for decades.

Needles to say, after the long journey we’ve all been on together to secure the site for restoration, this is very exciting news!

First up, here is a photo of the habitat up-close in the swamp – taken just a few days ago – providing a perfect aquatic refuge in an otherwise dry landscape, and ideal habitat for two of the nationally threatened aquatic species (the Growling Grass Frog and Little Galaxias) which occur at the site.

An oasis of green in an otherwise dry landscape – the bed of water ribbons in Mt Burr Swamp in March 2017.

And below is the latest panoramic view of the wetland, and – for comparison – how the same perspective looked just 12 months ago.

By the way, you’ll notice a few cows in the latest image below because the fencing required along the western side of the swamp to exclude grazing (for the first time in over 60 years) is not yet in place, but (with water levels dropping and the summer heat behind us) this job is now at the top of the list for completion in the next month or two, in time for winter 2017. As previously explained, restoration will need to be tackled in stages, so we’re currently leasing the bulk of the property (excluding the main swamp of course, once the fence is up!) back to the previous owners while we work on the property management plan and seek the funding required to implement further works.

But for now, enjoy the view!

Mt Burr Swamp in autumn 2016 – Ready for Restoration

Mt Burr Swamp in early autumn 2017 after initial restoration works – what a difference a year makes!