Dune Rehabilitation | Beach Road, Ulverstone

In the week beginning on Monday 13 June 2022 and assisted by Leighland Christian School students, dune rehabilitation began along the east end of Beach Road, Ulverstone.  Part of the dunes were cleared during construction of the new shared pathway section.  This provided the perfect opportunity to workshop dune rehabilitation, weed control and vegetation management with the Agricultural Science and Environmental Science students from Leighland Christian School.

The students participated in a valuable learning and a hands-on educational experience, and were able to put into practice the skills they have been learning in their school studies.  The Council’s NRM Officer ran the workshop on dune conservation and weed management.  The students assisted to replant the dunes that had become exposed during the construction of the shared pathway.  As part of the workshop, the students learnt about then need for the plantings and the roles of the existing and new plants in the dune habitat.

The students put down jute matting to protect the dune from erosion and to suppress weeds.  On top of that, mulch was spread to conserve water and act as further weed control.  All species of plants are native to the area and originate from this and nearby beach areas.  The new plants have been protected with tree guards, which will be removed once they become established and no longer vulnerable to animal and environmental risks.

The students had a lot of fun and found it a valuable learning experience.  Many thanks to Leighland Christian School and their amazing students for partnering with the Central Coast Council on this project.