HomeAmbers Gully History

Ambers Gully Project History

In 1990 work at the Ambers Gully project site commenced with the removal of feral pine trees and since then has been rehabilitating remnant bushland and increasing biodiversity in this important grassy woodland.

Over 11,500 plants have been raised and planted by volunteers, with positive changes now visible. Much of the planting work was done by school children and community groups with Friends members as part of the Collaborative School Landcare project from 1993 to 2008.

prickly Guinea-flower
(Hibbertia exutiacies)

silky heads
(Cymbopogon objectus)

native oxalis
(Oxalis perennans)

heath tea-tree
(Leptospermum myrsinoides)

Park Entrance to Ambers Gully Trail - Stage 1

1992 commencement of weed works in this location with Friends of Black Hill and Morialta members.
1993 Commencement of Collaborative schools landcare project working with Friend of Black Hill and Morialta. Schools involved included Campbelltown Primary, Paradise Primary and Thorndon Park Primary. Focus on planting natives to revegetate the area.
1994-2007 Planting continued, programme extended to Norwood Morialta High and Pembroke schools in 1994. Athelstone Primary school joined the project in 1998 and East Marden Primary school in 2007.
1993 - 2023 FOBHM weed sweeps continue.
2021 treatment of olives around the base of significant trees.

Ambers Gully Trail - Stage 2

1993 plantings commenced with the assistance of Collaborative schools landcare project. Removal of woody weeds also commenced.

Main Ridge Track from Ambers Gully Trail to Ambers Gully Track - Stage 3

1995 Commencement of plantings in the stage 3 area with the Collaborative schools landcare project.
1996-1997 plantings continued. As the area is a fuel reduction zone no further plantings were required here after 1997.

Ambers Gully Track - Stage 4

1996 plantings with Collaborative schools landcare project commenced. Athelstone Lions and Athelstone Kiwanis also added their support to the project.
1996-2007 Planting continued.
2009-23 FOBHM weed sweeps continue.
2018 the 4WD Adventurers Club became a project partner
2019-2023 the 4WD Adventurers continue to support the project
2019 Commencement of the community based Free A Tree campaign.

Main Ridge Track including Erica patch - stage 5

1990 Commencement of the removal of exotic pines tree from northern ridgeline
1998 Planting in zone 5 commenced with Collaborative schools landcare group.
2002 Erica removal works in Banksia marginata site commenced with contractor funding.
2009 Erica funding again acquired to protect the Banksia marginata site.
2009-23 FOBHM weed sweeps continue.
2016 -23 extensive funding through the volunteer support program, grant funding and donations to expand and improve the Erica control and eradication program.
2018 the 4WD Adventurers Club became a project partner.
2018 kangaroo proof guards placed around seedling Allocasurinas and Hakeas post fire.
2019-23 the 4WD Adventurers continue to support the project.

Before image - June 2018, pine and Erica aborea

After image - July 2018

Last controlled burn affecting most of the project site was area between the Main Ridge Track and the Ambers Gully Track December 2012

tawny crevice dragon
Ambers Gully Trail, November 2010

western grey kangaroo
Main Ridge Track, June 2018

young collared sparrowhawk
Ambers Gully, December 2017