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‘Walk like Water’: nature repair skills and observation on Wirimbirra, Capertee Valley 

On two magical days in April, another step was taken in the development of the First Nations Water Skills Certificate. Mulloon Institute’s Annabel, Laura and Tam took part in two days of activities on the property of Emma Syme and Leanne Wicks: Wirrimbirra. This striking property has a small number of livestock to support the landholders to be self-sustaining, but the primary focus is regeneration for biodiversity, bird habitat and Wiradjuri cultural experience.  This mix made it a perfect context for learning and co-design with staff from Northeast Wiradjuri Company (NewCo) and Uncle Peter Swain.  

Day One focused on principles of landscape function and building small-scale brush weirs to remediate gully erosion. In the afternoon, the group joined other locals, Watershed Landcare guests and Central Tablelands Local Land Services for a meandering “Walk like Water” event along Bourbin Creek. This deep dry creek bed had many stories to share and features to discover, including Bunyip eggs, exposed historic riffle benches and natural leaky weirs created by fallen trees capturing debris and litter. On Day Two the Landscape Rehydration Toolbox was tested to great effect in the ‘sandpit’, with different types of in-stream interventions used to repair gullies and waterways constructed by hand in miniature. The day concluded with the team valiantly tramping up the hill above the gully system, taking in the magnificent view and constructing a brush contour to slow the flow of water at the top of the catchment.  

Building on our recent mapping workshop, the co-design journey with NewCo has great momentum now, with surveying skills and monitoring among the next planned activities – can’t wait.  

Click on images to enlarge.

This project was supported by the Australian Government through funding from the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program under the Natural Heritage Trust. The First Nations Water Skills Certificate is being co-designed with Wiradjuri, Yuin and Gumbaynggirr custodians. With thanks to Watershed Landcare for great collaborating on the Walk Like Water event.