Branching out: Cate Barham, at front, prepares for the planting day with Peter Rees, Margaret Burne and John Fyfe.
KIM WATERS
GREEN-thumbs will attempt to plant almost 6000 trees and shrubs next weekend to revegetate the “damaged” Bellarine Rail Trail, according to an environmentalist.
Bellarine Landcare Group’s Cate Barham said the “lend a hand” gardening event marked Planet Ark’s National Tree Day on the Bellarine Peninsula.
Ms Barham said more than 100 volunteers would plant 5737 trees, shrubs and grass lilies along the trail on July 31.
The planting would seek to restore areas of the trail “filled with weeds”.
“The rail trail is a significant indigenous vegetation corridor and is part of the five per cent indigenous vegetation remaining on the Bellarine Peninsula,” Ms Barham said.
“The trail links up indigenous vegetation in Geelong all the way to vegetation in Queenscliff and provides a significant environment for wildlife along its entire length.”
Ms Barham said Bellarine Landcare Group aimed to plant 15,000 trees and shrubs along the trail this year.
“We’re hoping for 150 volunteers on the weekend so we can reach our target of 5737. We’d encourage absolutely anybody to come down.
“Anyone who doesn’t know how to plant can be taught. It’s really easy and enjoyable and there’s a huge sense of achievement at the end of the day.”
Ms Barham said planting would begin at 9.30am in the Andersons Road section of the rail trail.
“Volunteers are welcome to come and go any time throughout the day. Any commitment is very much appreciated.”
Ms Barham recommended catching a Bellarine Railway train from Queenscliff or Drysdale for travel directly to the site.
