Communities Environment Program

A project of Down's Community Farm and our Ecosystem Regeneration Team, that took place between 2020 and 2021.

Funded by the Federal Communities Environment Progam (CEP) after being invited by Dunkley Minister Peta Murphy.

Project Overview

Aims

Remove high threat invasive species from the Down's Estate Licensed Area at Down's Estate Seaford.
Use natural, non-chemical methods to eradicate weeds including
- Blackberry (Rubus fruticosus L. agg.)
- Bridal Creeper (Asparagus asparagoides)
- African Boxthorn (Lycium ferocissimum)
- Kikuyu (Pennisetum clandestinum) infestations.
Educate volunteers about these techniques and involve them in monitoring the effectiveness of these processes in removing and preventing re-emergence of these weeds.
Offer Community education of the process and results, to increase environmental benefits in the community, in alignment with Frankston City Council's Greening Frankston program.
Incorporate a revegetation area which contributes to the overall weed management strategy by reintroducing appropriate indigenous and native species on site.

Supporters and collaborators

This project involved a number of different groups and individuals including:

DECP committee and volunteers
DECP Ecosystem Regeneration Team
Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority
Farm Management Training Work Crew
Holmesglen students and teacher Dr Joab Wilson
Contractor Abundant Gardens for major works
Holmesglen TAFE

Approach

The initial plan to engage a specific contractor to do weed eradication works was not able to be carried out. We talked with local environmental consultant Gidja Walker for alternate providers who recommended Dr Joab Wilson at Holmesglen TAFE to explore collaborative possibilities. This resulted in a good working relationship between DCF and the Holmesglen teacher and his students.

While Covid restrictions permitted, there were many successful site visits by classes from the Conservation and Land Management course, for hands-on experience of weed identification and removal works. They devised management strategies and future revegetation plans for us. This collaboration between volunteers, teachers and students was very productive and greatly appreciated by the DCF community.

The students also investigated relevant topics culminating in an informative webinar to present detailed visual educational aids to DCF and all the students. Some longer reports were also produced on the weed management project at DCF.