Turning a paddock into a thriving ephemeral wetland is hard work. Just ask any of the dozens of volunteers from Angair and the Aireys Inlet District Association (AIDA) who have helped to regenerate Lot 2 and the 1.2-hectare Salt Wedge on the eastern bank of the creek. The rebirth of the valley began in 2019 when Mick Loughnan and Jacinta Halloran bought Lot 2 in Bambra Road. By 2023, most initial work was done. The animals, birds and indigenous plants were coming back.
The challenge now is to restore the rest of the valley, following the takeover of nearly 30 hectares of leasehold land by the environmental charity Biodiversity Legacy.
Angair provided many regular volunteers to do that early work on Lot 2 and the Salt Wedge, they have been industrious and committed, qualities which will be needed in old and new volunteers who will help to reclaim the valley in the years to come.
Sally White