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Denmark volunteers dig in to help boost the health of the Wilson Inlet

Sarah MakseAlbany Advertiser
A young volunteer gets some planting advice.
Camera IconA young volunteer gets some planting advice. Credit: Shaun Ossinger

A group of 30 volunteers of all ages planted about 5500 seedlings on a Denmark farm at the weekend in a bid to boost the health of the Wilson Inlet.

Led by the Wilson Inlet Catchment Committee, volunteers took to a farm in Scotsdale for a community planting day to re-vegetate the “on farm” waterway.

Volunteers Brad and Jill Kneebone.
Camera IconVolunteers Brad and Jill Kneebone. Credit: Shaun Ossinger

Committee officer Shaun Ossinger said the day was a “resounding success” due to the hard work of the passionate volunteers.

“The great thing about re-vegetation is there are jobs that any age can do,” he said. “Our youngest vollie was two years old.”

Beatrix Allen, 7, and Eleanor Allen, 4, use a Pottiputki to plant seedlings.
Camera IconBeatrix Allen, 7, and Eleanor Allen, 4, use a Pottiputki to plant seedlings. Credit: Shaun Ossinger

The committee works with farmers and the community to reduce nutrients running into the Wilson Inlet and protect the local environment.

“All seedlings are cultivated from locally collected seed and grown by our friends at the Habitat Tree Farm,” he said.

Volunteers take part in a Wilson Inlet Catchment Committee planting day at a Denmark farm.
Camera IconVolunteers take part in a Wilson Inlet Catchment Committee planting day at a Denmark farm. Credit: Shaun Ossinger

“Species are selected to mimic the surrounding remnant vegetation and their ability to minimise erosion and strip nutrients before they enter the waterways.”

The work is part of the WA Government’s Regional Estuaries Initiative in partnership with the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation.

The Wilson Inlet was selected in 2016 as one of six estuaries in the South West to be targeted under the $22 million Regional Estuaries Initiative.

Volunteers take part in a Wilson Inlet Catchment Committee planting day at a Denmark farm.
Camera IconVolunteers take part in a Wilson Inlet Catchment Committee planting day at a Denmark farm. Credit: Shaun Ossinger

As part of the program the committee is delivering several nutrient management initiatives including fencing and re-vegetation programs.

Last month, the Wilson Inlet was also named as one of three Great Southern inlets to receive a portion of $7 million over four years as part of the Healthy Estuaries WA program.

Volunteer Mark Parre joins in the planting.
Camera IconVolunteer Mark Parre joins in the planting. Credit: Shaun Ossinger

“We focus on re-vegetating waterways on grazing properties because modelling shows that the majority of excess nutrients that enter the inlet come from these farms,” Mr Ossinger said.

The group is set to host several winter planting days. For details visit www.wicc.org.au.

Volunteers take part in a Wilson Inlet Catchment Committee planting day at a Denmark farm.
Camera IconVolunteers take part in a Wilson Inlet Catchment Committee planting day at a Denmark farm. Credit: Shaun Ossinger

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