The Great Brak River Conservancy embarked on an ambitious mission: to restore the Wolwedans Dam trail and riverbanks by removing invasive alien vegetation. With a targeted focus on pampas, black wattle, blackwood, and gum, this initiative aimed to protect the region’s biodiversity and improve one of the area’s most cherished outdoor spaces.
The Wolwedans Dam trail, a scenic 3.2km route, is well-loved by residents and visitors alike. Following an ancient water furrow dating back to 1874, the trail winds through lush surroundings, crosses the river over a cement block, and leads hikers through the riverbed and along its banks until they reach the impressive Wolwedans Dam wall. However, over the years, invasive species had begun to take over, threatening the ecological balance and accessibility of this beautiful landscape.
Since 2019, the Great Brak River Conservancy and its dedicated volunteers have been working to clear alien vegetation in the area. Their efforts have not only improved the environment but have also revealed remarkable treasures—such as Yellowwood trees estimated to be over 400 years old. This most recent phase of clearing, made possible by a small grant from the Friends of the Biosphere Programme, allowed the Conservancy to hire an incredible Alien Clearing Team to accelerate the restoration process.
The conservancy aims to broaden participation and involvement of locals, including the younger generation and businesses.
Chairman: Scott Thomson
Cell: 079 187 0257
