'Bush whackers' in clean-up operation
ABOUT 50 concerned residents, volunteers and members from organisations gave up their time and energy at a bush whack and cleanup of the Parson's Vlei/Bridgemeade wetland on February 23.
Historically Parson's Vlei was one of the larger wetlands in the western areas. To conserve the area several teams, under the watchful eye of Japie Buckle of Working for Wetlands, wielded chainsaws, saws, axes, or bush cutters to clear away a large area of invasive acacia (Port Jackson willow) from the vlei's southern and western sides. Carla Hazel, from the local Dendrological Society, led the teams working on the western side.
According to concerned resident Colin Urquhart, many of these wetlands have either disappeared or are in danger of disappearing due to rapid development.
Two hardworking bands of volunteers planted 12 indigenous trees on land on the eastern side which had already been cleared during October's first "Bush Whack".
They also dragged branches to protect these saplings from the wind and from the attention of goats and cattle.
According to Urquhart, the bushwack will give people the opportunity to enjoy a natural area right on their doorstep.
"The removal of alien invasive plants, and cleaning up of litter helps reduce the risk of bush fires and blockage of stormwater systems," he said.
"We have removed somewhere in the region of 100 or more large black plastic bags filled with cans, bottles, plastic and other rubbish," he said.
According to Urquhart, Parsons Vlei wetland was/still is the most southwestern habitat of the giant bullfrog and numerous bird species have been identified on site.
"Several tourist guides now bring foreigners to the vlei so that they can record sightings of many of our indigenous waterbird and bush/grassland species," he said.
The organisers would like to erect two bird blinds and place several benches around the vlei, which has a history dating back to 1852.
A third "Bush Whack" is planned for the end of May to clear away the remaining invasive trees from the southern side of the vlei, situated just off Bishop's Way at Bridgemeade.