By: Michael Fox

The project aims to restore the biodiverse pre-clearing habitat of Mt Gravatt Showgrounds to attract birds, bees and butterflies creating a wildlife corridor between Mt Gravatt Reserve and Bulimba Creek.

Working with the Mt Gravatt Showgrounds Trust our team is progressively clearing weeds and replanting species that originally existed. Ecosystem mapping (by Queensland Herbarium) shows two ecosystems, one endangered, existed prior to clearing.  Now highly fragmented habitat with only canopy trees remain.  A canopy without an understory of shrubs, herbs and grasses cannot support natural biodiversity.

Building on the popularity the Showgrounds the Trust want to create a perimeter walk.  Reinstatement of the original ecosystem fits well with this plan. Revegetation (also called regeneration or rewilding) directly plants seedlings.  This is the fastest way to reinstate a forest. 

Mt Gravatt Environment Group, who conduct Bushcare on Mount Gravatt Reserve, are leading the Showgrounds Wildflower Forest regeneration.  The 2024 planting has 95% survival rate – equal to best industry performance. Our restoration team including, Environmental Scientist Christine Dewer, is following Society for Ecological Restoration (SER) scientific guidelines.

The plants that occur within these two ecosystems form the plant selection for the Showgrounds Wildflower Forest.  Prior to planting is site preparation and ground preparation.

1. Ground preparation includes Bactivate inoculation with soil micro-organisms, green mulch (grassy weeds retained as soil organic matter devoid of viable seeds).
2. A thick layer of cardboard topped by 150mm of forest mulch provides ongoing weed suppression.
3. Plant selection is based on Queensland Herbarium technical description for the two ecosystems to reinstate the hierarchy of the ecosystem. Seedlings are sourced from local catchment nurseries to maxamise local provenance.
4. Planting Plants are allocated to appropriate site setting and spacing for growth.  Local community members are engaged to plant the forest.
5. Establishment requires watering, weeding and plant care for the first 6-12 months. Plant information signs will support ongoing community education and engagement.

Results demonstrate the value of our thorough preparation and careful plant selection of local plant species. Planting in April 2024 is now a thriving future forest already providing food for butterflies and bees.

Join our monthly community working bees to contribute to rewilding the Showgrounds and learn how you can create your own Pollinator Link backyard garden attracting birds, butterflies and bees.