A dairy property along the Mitta River has fenced off 2.5 ha of boggy lagoon to restore a thriving wetland. Alice describes it as a ‘farmscape’ as opposed to a landscape project, with over 1000m of fencing completed, planting 2500 native species, and the removal of willows.

This wetland project will provide a filtration mechanism preventing dairy and other farm contaminants from flowing into the Mitta River. It will also encourage habitat for the Growling Grass Frog and other wetland species.

An important issue in designing this farmscape has been ensuring that the trees planted on the property did not impede vision and road safety was maintained, especially with large vehicles coming in and out daily, and 3 small children on the farm. 

Emmaline Bowman from Stem Landscape Architecture and Design helped Alice and Justine design the Project, which has a flood overlay, drainage plans and suggested native planting lists that support biodiversity. Our Landcare facilitator, Simon Felliafe, also worked along side Alice to achieve this outcome.

The Mitta Valley Landcare group ran a planting day at the property in September 2023, where 18 land carers and family friends came to assist. Congratulations to Alice and Justin Colclough on achieving this wonderful Project, in an area which was underwater for 12 weeks following the floods of 2022 on the Mitta River.

Author: Secretary Robyn Scales 0427 495 864

This project is supported by Mitta Valley Landcare, through funding from the Australian Government’s Murray–Darling Healthy Rivers Program.
Murray–Darling Healthy Rivers – an Australian Government initiative.