Converting dams to living wetlands

It was not in good shape, with the edges badly damaged by the cattle that had previously been grazed there. 

We decided to convert the dam to something more pleasing to look at, and more environmentally friendly!   

The first job was to fence the dam off, with sufficient space around for fairly extensive tree and shrub plantings. 

We removed as many of the thistles, cape weed and other weeds as we could, and continue to attack them whenever they raise their heads again! 

We then planted a grove of ‘She Oaks’ below the high side of the dam, with flowering natives as understorey. 

We also planted some non-invasive deciduous exotics around the other side as we adore Autumn colours. 

This no doubt horrifies the ‘purists’, however we believe that there is really no part of the planet that isn’t changing by the hand of man, so attempting to return things to exactly what they once were is futile, even if we would like to do so. 

What we can do however, is to embrace change, whilst at the same time endeavouring to reduce the impact of this change, and we believe that with care, natives and some exotics can be blended successfully. 

Progress has been slow, especially during periods of drought, however we have gradually added to the plantings with various native grasses and other plants, and our once bare dam is now starting to look something like the vision we had for it. 

We are not farmers, but realise that farmers do rely on dams for watering stock. 

However this can still be accomplished by pumping water to troughs, or even leaving stock access to a section of the dam.

The real bonus of all this has been the increase of birds on our property, especially the small birds that rely on understorey for survival. 

Not only are they a joy to watch, but also help keep the insects in balance – we never have to worry about aphids on our roses now, the multitude of wrens demolish them for us!

Until next time,

Take care all,

Kay