Windermere Bay saltmarsh restoration
Stage 1 restoration works commence alongside the construction of the new walking track.
Image: Derwent Estuary Program
Project with Glenorchy City Council (GCC)
The Derwent Estuary Program, in collaboration with GCC, is managing a saltmarsh restoration project in Windermere Bay.
In the 1960s and 1970s, infill was placed on some areas of the saltmarsh, reducing the total area by approximately 0.7 hectares. We aim to restore the saltmarsh area adjacent to Faulkners Rivulet by removing this infill and allowing the passive restoration of saltmarsh communities.
The soil will be excavated to its previous level to re-instate the natural water regime of the site so that tidal flows from the estuary and flooding from Faulkners Rivulet can easily pass over the soil.
Initially, it may look bare and exposed, but it won’t stay that way. Within six months of removing the soil, we will start to see re-growth of saltmarsh plants, which will return to a healthy cover within a few years. As the water regime is re-introduced, and plants re-establish we will see the return of animals such as birds, fish and crustaceans.
Restoration work commenced this month, following recent community engagement to ensure people who use the area know what is happening!
Find out more about this project.
Thursday 3 April 2025