EXPLORING VEGETATION: Stuart Cameron, on right, led the guided walk at Cuttagee Point on Sunday.
BERMAGUI Dune Care held an enjoyable and informative guided walk at Cuttagee Point on Sunday.
While numbers were down on expectations, perhaps due to such a beautiful summer's day, the guided walk was led by Botantical Consultant, Stuart Cameron.
Co-ordinator of the group, Karen Joynes, introduced Stuart, after explaining work at Cuttagee Point was possible after the group successfully applied to Caring for Our Country for a Community Action Grant.
Stuart gave a brief description of the factors influencing the vegetation at Cuttagee Point such as geology, soil, aspect and past uses, and explained what Plan of Management, which he devised, aimed to do.
He said Bermagui Dune Care had achieved a lot in the short time since work began, less than 12 months ago. The area became a Reserve about 30 years ago, and much of what grows today is natural revegetation over that time, after farming and grazing. The biggest resulting problem is kiyuyu, and it is hoped, in the long term, the new plantings will shade out the kikuyu.
The assistance from Bega Valley Shire Council is greatly appreciated, with improving road access last year, and spraying black berry, as well as watering the plants in the hot January when Dune Care does not meet. The Southern Rivers Catchment Management Authority and Far South Coast Landcare have also been helpful with materials, advice and overseeing funding.
The Plan of Management for the rehabilitation of "Iconic" Cuttagee Point is available from the Bermagui Library.