Michael Perry Reserve Second Creek Restoration

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The works are now complete.

Information on the removal of woody weed species and continued restoration of the reserve.

View information on the Reserve

View comparison of woody weed habitat and restored habitat

Next Steps

In March 2014 the restoration works will continue with the removal of woody weeds and revegetation of local native plant species.

Residents will notice workers, equipment and vehicles within the reserve during these works. All work will be conducted based on an environmentally sustainable scientific approach using recognized techniques and principles to optimize the water quality and habitat quality of the watercourse.

Further information

For more information contact City of Burnside’s Project Officer, Melanie Spurling via the Email Us tab below or 8366 4282.

The Council’s Vegetation Management Plan for Michael Perry Botanic Reserve, Watercourse Management Policy and Biodiversity Strategy can be found in the Library in the right column of this page.

Information on the removal of woody weed species and continued restoration of the reserve.

View information on the Reserve

View comparison of woody weed habitat and restored habitat

Next Steps

In March 2014 the restoration works will continue with the removal of woody weeds and revegetation of local native plant species.

Residents will notice workers, equipment and vehicles within the reserve during these works. All work will be conducted based on an environmentally sustainable scientific approach using recognized techniques and principles to optimize the water quality and habitat quality of the watercourse.

Further information

For more information contact City of Burnside’s Project Officer, Melanie Spurling via the Email Us tab below or 8366 4282.

The Council’s Vegetation Management Plan for Michael Perry Botanic Reserve, Watercourse Management Policy and Biodiversity Strategy can be found in the Library in the right column of this page.

The works are now complete.

  • Update

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    The Michael Perry Reserve Second Creek area has undergone the early stages of the restoration. Replanting has been delayed until some of the vigorous weed species have been controlled and is scheduled to commence in Winter 2015.

    The primary clearance included removing the large Woody Weeds from the Michael Perry Reserve Second Creek area. Council is now currently controlling invasive weed species prior to planting. The weed species include Tradescantia and Wild Ginger, which are difficult to control. This preparation is required before establishing diverse local native plant species in the area.

    The planting of structural species including advanced trees will occur in Winter 2015. There are nine advanced trees which will include Blackwoods (Acaciamelanoxylon), Sheoaks (Allocasuarinaverticillata) and Blue Gums (Eucalyptusleucoxylon).

    The planting of the Shrub Layer and Sedges will also take place in Winter 2015. After this, the site will require ongoing infill planting and weed control.

    When a good cover of native plant species is established, the appearance of the watercourse will be visibly improved and will be protected from further erosion, creating habitat for a wide diversity of native fauna including some of our shy bird species, and will help to improve water quality.

  • Michael Perry Botanic Reserve

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    The 3.2 ha Michael Perry Reserve was formed in the 1970’s from the subdivision of the former Clifton Estate. The reserve contains a section of Second Creek and many historical horticultural tree specimens from the original Clifton Estate garden.

    Over time the reserve has been over-run with large woody weeds such as Willow, Olive, Ash, Fig, Rhamnus and Sweet Pittosporum creating a densely shaded environment in which native watercourse plants cannot grow and thrive. These native plants are vital to prevent erosion of the creek line in both normal flows and during flood events.

    In 2009 Council, in conjunction with the Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resources Management (NRM) Board, remediation works commenced at various locations within the reserve to stabilise the creek bed where the growth of Willow roots had triggered erosion.

    The NRM Board has contributed funds for the continuation of the watercourse restoration works program. To facilitate this work, in November 2012 the Michael Perry Botanic Reserve Vegetation Management Plan was prepared to establish a long term vegetation conservation management framework and works program to protect, conserve and partially restore the Michael Perry Botanic Reserve historical exotic flora and native vegetation and fauna habitats within the Reserve.

    Work recommenced on this project in 2013 based on the vegetation management plan.

    Below: Location of the zone where works will commence in March 2014.

  • Woody Weeds VS Restored Habitat

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    Woody Weeds

    The below images show a section of Michael Perry Reserve infested with Olive, Sweet Pittosporum, Willow, Ash and Rhammus.

    Restored Creek Line

    The photos below show the restored creek line with good diverse plants providing habitat from erosion.