Native grasslands at Woorndoo

The complex nature of native grasslands has presented a challenge to restoration, thus grassland projects across the region have to date focused largely on conservation. However, the Woorndoo Land Protection Group (now Woorndoo Chatsworth Landcare Group) are demonstrating how to effectively restore native grasslands. Using methods developed by Greening Australia and the University of Melbourne, the group began restoring the region’s grasslands in 2013. Initially this involved scalping away the topsoil from a 1.25 ha patch of a weedy, annually cropped roadside reserve. This effectively removed the weed seedbank and the high-nutrient load that favoured non-native plants. From here the site was sown with native grasses and herbs using machinery specifically modified by the group for this purpose. This initial site was then used to experiment further with plant establishment techniques to increase community complexity and refine methods ahead of revegetating a second 1.25 ha patch of grassland in 2019. 

Woorndoo Map

Each year large numbers of people from across Victoria come to Woorndoo to experience the region’s wildflower displays and attend the groups community field days. These community field days have demonstrated how complex ecosystems can be restored, which has informed and inspired others to undertake similar projects. With remaining native grasslands existing in a highly fragmented state, the techniques being developed by the Woorndoo Land Protection Group provide the method required to re-connect isolated patches of high-quality grassland across the region.

Photo: John Delpratt

Photo: Woorndoo Land Protection Group

Photo: Liz Fenton

AreaDescription
PartnersWoorndoo-Chatsworth Landcare Group, Moyne Shire, DELWP, Glenelg Hopkins CMA
InvestorsVictorian State Government (Victoria’s Community and Volunteer Action Grants Program), Landcare Grant
Related StrategiesProtecting Victoria's Environment - Biodiversity 2037