Celebrating community conservation: Friends of Reserves

Across the Shire of Augusta Margaret River, a quiet but powerful environmental movement has been thriving for decades

The Friends of Reserves Program, coordinated by the Shire’s Landcare Team, supports 13 dedicated volunteer groups who have been caring for local bushland, waterways and reserves, some for more than 20 years.
 
These long-standing groups play a vital role in protecting biodiversity, restoring degraded areas and managing invasive species – often undertaking work that would otherwise require significant funding or contractors.

Each group is supported with tools, training, safety oversight and additional resources such as contractors when required. The Shire’s role is to empower these volunteers to make a lasting impact on the natural areas they care about – many of which are home to threatened species and culturally significant landscapes.

These groups meet regularly and their work includes weeding, planting, erosion control and habitat restoration.

One recent achievement comes from the Friends of Nguraren Kalleep Reserve, who have just completed a major project to remove the invasive Giant Reed (Arundo donax) from a creek line flowing into the Margaret River. This fast-growing weed was choking the waterway and threatening to spread further downstream.


Long-time volunteer Helen Bradbury has been assisting with the project. 

“We’ve had this job planned for some time. With the help of Shire staff, equipment and environmental contractor, Rick Ensley, we were finally able to get it done,” said Helen. 

The group worked steadily over several weeks, meeting every Tuesday morning to cut and remove the giant weed from the waterway. 

Earlier in the year, the team was also pleased to work with volunteers from the Friends of Wooditjup Bilya, coordinated by Nature Conservation Margaret River Region, and the Undalup Rangers to implement other projects in the reserve, including planting seedlings, brushing, watering and more weed control. 

The reserve, which stretches from Bussell Highway to the Wadandi Track, is home to a large population of Western Ringtail Possums and is a vital ecological corridor.

The Friends group will continue to monitor the site to prevent regrowth and ensure the creek line remains healthy. 

“We’re now seeing the positive results of our efforts,” Helen said. 

“It’s rewarding to know we’re making a difference.”

If you’d like to get involved or learn more about the Friends of Reserves Program, contact the Shire’s Environment Team on 9780 5255.