L-R: Rachael Roberts (Member, Friends of Eric Singleton Wetlands group), Lisa Baker MLA and Nadine Wright Toussaint (Coordinator, Friends of Eric Singleton Wetlands group).
Camera IconL-R: Rachael Roberts (Member, Friends of Eric Singleton Wetlands group), Lisa Baker MLA and Nadine Wright Toussaint (Coordinator, Friends of Eric Singleton Wetlands group). Credit: Supplied/David Baylis

Bayswater: Friends of Eric Singleton Wetlands group to work with community to protect wetlands

Kristie LimEastern Reporter

THE newly-formed Friends of Eric Singleton Wetlands group has adopted a “family-friendly” approach in protecting the wetlands in Bayswater.

Following the City of Bayswater’s purchase of the Carter’s wetlands a year ago, the group formed in May to work with the City and eco-shop Environment House to restore the wetland, Eric Singleton Bird Sanctuary and the Eric Singleton West site.

Restoration works have started with contractors removing masses of weeds at the Eric Singleton West site, where the group planned to plant about 2000 trees next winter.

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The group will be holding workshops based on educating families about restoration and the natural habitat in January.

Coordinator Nadine Wright-Toussaint said the group was working on a two-year restoration project.

“It is a positive step from the No Houses in Wetlands group and campaign to be able to move on and put that energy in something a bit more positive that we can engage with,” she said.

“I am really hoping we can make it quite family friendly through other educational activities and other ways to appreciate and engage with this beautiful chunk of land that we are incredibly fortunate to have.

“The group will be responsible for helping the weed management there and future planting.”

Member and Environment House coordinator Rachael Roberts said it was timely to start the group, following the community campaign to save the Carter’s wetlands from potential development.

Maylands MLA Lisa Baker, who helped the community campaign, said the State Government was working on potential rezoning opportunities for the Bayswater wetlands, which have been “undervalued” in the past.

For information, visit the group’s Facebook page or email friendsofesw@gmail.com.