Watson Creek biolink in the Baxter-Langwarrin South area is designed to be a step in the reconnection of patches of remnant and rehabilitated native vegetation from Grant Rd Somerville (Inghams and Melbourne Water-managed land) to an area of native vegetation on private property in Baxter (on Frankston-Flinders Rd). This is part of a larger vision by Watson Creek Catchment Landcare group to restore connectivity of native vegetation up to Langwarrin Flora and Fauna Reserve in the north to where Watson Creek enters the Yaringa Marine National Park.
In October 2015 the Watson Creek Biolink Plan was finalised, detailing works that could be undertaken on 7 private properties in the area. Although these properties are not continuous, the works planned on them are an important first step and build on work already done by Watson Creek Landcare group, including a Communities for Nature Grant (undertaken in 2015) on 3 of the biolink properties
In December 2015, a Victorian state government Threatened Species Protection Initiative was awarded to Watson Creek Landcare Group for work on 3 biolink properties. Works were completed in 2016. Also in December 2015 a Green Army (Round 4) was awarded to the Mornington Peninsula Landcare Network. Among the sites included in this grant were 1 Watson Ck biolink property (in addition to 4 Sheepwash Creek Biolink properties). Works were completed in 2016.
What important wildlife habitat and plant communities is this project aiming to connect and protect?
Watson Creek flows from its headwaters in Baxter and South Frankston, through Somerville and into Yaringa Marine National Park in Western Port. This area contains valuable native vegetation and is important for many native animals and migratory species.
Watson Creek is impacted by a number of environmental threats, including loss of riparian vegetation, run-off from local townships, nutrient input and sedimentation. As a landholder, you can make a positive contribution to the health of Watson Creek and Western Port Bay through sustainable land management practices, such as revegetating with indigenous plants.