Turning restoration planning into on-ground action at Glenshera Swamp, Stipiturus CP

It is just over 12 months since we completed the restoration feasibility assessment for Glenshera Swamp in Stipiturus Conservation Park, and I am pleased to report that the planning has now been turned into the first stages of on-ground action!

Thanks in particular to the Fleurieu Swamps Green Army crew (led by Doreen Marchesan of Conservation Volunteers Australia, as part of a Green Army program supported by the Conservation Council of SA’s Fleurieu Swamps Team) and a range of other dedicated helpers at different times over the past 2-3 weeks, we’ve successfully installed a series of eight regulating structures along the main artificial drain as it passes through Stipiturus CP.

The location of the structures in relation to the artificial drain and the alignment of the original creekline above Glenshera Swamp are shown below:

Location of the first 7 (of 8) restoration structures within Stipiturus CP, superimposed on the Digital Elevation Model for the Park, showing their intended function to either (a) reinstate the creekline meanders (#1 to #5), or (b) block the artificial bypass drain (#6 to #8).

So, while we wait for the flows to arrive this winter (to re-instate the natural creekline and restore surface flows to the top of Glenshera Swamp for the first time in over 70 years!) – here are the before and after images of the works…

Structure #1

Structure #1 – location before works

Structure #1 – after works

Structure #2

Structure #2 – location before works

Structure #2 – after works

Structure #3

Structure #3 – location before works

Structure #3 – after works

Structure #4

Structure #4 – location before works

Structure #4 – after works

Structure #5

Structure #5 – location before works

Structure #5 – after works

Structure #6

Structure #6 – location before works

Structure #6 – after works

Structure #7

Structure #7 – location before works

Structure #7 – after works

Structure #8

Structure #8 – location before works

Structure #8 – after works

Meanwhile, some corresponding works we’ve also been coordinating on the private property next door (downstream of the Park) are having some immediate positive effects on the hydrology of a previously drained and dehydrated area of peat wetland. Unlike the seasonal creek that supplies Glenshera Swamp in the Park with surface flows, this downstream area receives a permanent trickle of groundwater discharge, which has led to our restoration works having some immediate and very visual results, as can be seen below.

Downstream works

Location of restoration works on private property downstream of Stipiturus CP

Immediate impact of works on private property downstream of Stipiturus CP – photo taken 2 weeks later

This project is a great example of the positive things that can be achieved when people work together on both public and private land, to improve the water management of threatened Fleurieu Swamps and is a credit to everyone that has been involved so far.

More updates to come as the year progresses!

This project is supported by: