When we were told we’d be clearing vegetation at Innes National Park, in the Yorke Peninsula, we were a bit confused. After all, it’s a bit of an oxymoron to be cutting down trees for conservation, in a national park no less. But after talking to park ranger Jas, we discovered that our work was crucial in preparing the area for the construction of a fence across the width of the Yorke Peninsula. Jas explained that the fence was needed to help control foxes and other predators in the area as well as direct human movement in and out of the park. The vegetation in some areas, such as the dunes, needed to be cleared by hand to protect from any damage that heavy machinery could cause.


So we set of to the south edge of the Yorke, and began clearing the small shrubs which lined the dunes. As we moved further inland, the shrubs became bushes and trees – so our work became more and more difficult. The vegetation was so dense that it was practically impossible to move in it, so in two groups, we started from opposite ends and moved towards each other, using loppers to cut a path 3 metres wide. What a joy it was to finally see the other group through the vegetation after nearly 2 hours of cutting, pulling and sweating in the harsh sun.
We spent 9 hours at the site, and managed to cut a path nearly 140 metres in length and when looking at the scale of the task, it was a huge effort for all involved. Especially Jas, who spent the whole day wielding a chainsaw and helping us with sharp boxthorn trees. At the end of the day we sat on the shore and admired our work, and in that moment a beautiful White-Bellied Sea Eagle flew past – a rare sight to see! It was almost as if the eagle, and the environment, was thanking us for protecting it and working hard to make it better!
We left the site feeling a sense of true accomplishment, and with the scratches and cuts on our arms (plus the hole in my pants!) proving that we had worked hard for conservation.

Celia (MATZ Member)