The Living Edge

Aerial January 2016

The Brief

In 2016 Tranen was assigned with converting an existing wetland management plan into a detailed action plan for the rehabilitation of a degraded wetland in the Living Edge estate in Wellard.  Once ratified by the City, Tranen then implemented the plan over a three year period.

Aerial July 2019

Constraints & Issues

• The site contained a highly degraded under-story that was dominated with problematic weed species including Kikuyu grass, Yorkshire Fog and Pig Face, as well as WA declared weeds Blackberry and Arum Lily
• Some remnant native species required protection, although these were heavily interspersed with the weeds
• A large amount of Bracken occupied the site, which was preventing other native plants from establishing
• There was a high presence of rabbits at the site, which significantly increased the risk of herbivory
• Landscaping and civil works were undertaken at different stages of revegetation, which required coordinated works with multiple contractors around the same area.

Our Management Approach

• A detailed Revegetation Action Plan was prepared in consultation with the City of Kwinana
• A rabbit control program was implemented, and a rabbit-proof fence was installed to prevent grazing on seedlings
• Thorough weed control was conducted through the application of selective herbicides due to the sensitivity of the wetland and remnant natives, as well as mechanical removal of large Blackberry and Bracken patches
• 130m³ of mulch was installed to supress weeds in upland areas, and a total of 11,495 seedlings were installed to degraded areas throughout the site.

The Outcome

The overall native plant density and species richness was significantly increased across the site, and weed levels were also significantly reduced over the course of the rehabilitation program. The local ecosystem has been significantly improved, not only aesthetically but also functionally.

The project was successfully completed six months prior to the expected handover date and was delivered 8% under budget.