Helping a little Tassie Battler

The chaostola skipper butterfly, which depends on the sedge Ghania radula, has a very limited distribution in Tasmania.  Several areas in Kingborough are known sites and one of these is in the Coningham Nature Recreation Area.  During a recent threatened Species Unit survey for the skipper in Coningham it was noted that some places where the butterfly had been previously detected were being invaded by weeds, most notably Sydney golden wattle (Acacia longifolia var longifolia).  Our group, the Friends of Coningham NRA (FCNRA) were very keen to assist, but like many Coastcare/Bushcare groups our volunteers are stretched to the limit already.

We learnt Conservation Volunteers Australia (CVA) was prepared to assist groups by donating one day of work if the group could fund a day.  So, once again SCAT small grants came to the rescue by providing a grant of $500 to pay for a day.  (The actual cost of the team for a day is $600, but CVA kindly agreed to donate some extra time).

Sydney golden wattle is a very pretty plant that was extensively planted in ‘bush’ gardens in the 70s and 80s when it was not so well recognised that even Australian plants that were not native to Tasmania could invade the bush.  It is widespread in Coningham and is unfortunately prospering without its natural controls. So on two fine, sunny days in late November we met the CVA team at Coningham and prepared to do battle with this weed. 

On the first day we worked on the western side of the reserve, along Old Station Road.  A severe bushfire had raged through this area in 2008 and regrowth was very thick.  It was hot and prickly work but with a very enthusiastic group of young people from China, Switzerland and Japan plus some of the regular CVA volunteers and several of the FCNRA we achieved incredible results. 

Much to our surprise, on the second day our young volunteers were still very enthusiastic when we met at Hopwood Street on the eastern side of the reserve.  And if possible, on this day we were even more effective.  We removed hundreds of plants, ranging from seedlings to quite large trees.  It’s truly amazing what a few people with commitment can achieve.  One of the regular CVA volunteers commented “I see it as an investment for my grandchildren.”  

 We would very much like to thank CVA and SCAT for helping us to help the Chaostola skipper.  It was a wonderful effort - far exceeded our expectations and we reckon the best value for money we've ever had.

Examining the insect life 

In the thick of things 

The very happy group