Emu Swamp update - NSW
TMI’s Peter Hazell and Hereford cattle breeder Derek Larson on the paddock walk.
As the sun shone above the cliffs of the dramatic Capertee Valley, NSW in mid-July, the kettle boiled at ‘Warramba’ to welcome neighbours on Emu Swamp Creek. Principal Landscape Planner Peter Hazell was on deck to support the first landholder meeting for what is hoped to become the Emu Swamp Rehydration Initiative. Landscape Planners Paris Capell and Tony Wells were also in attendance.
Reading the Capertee Valley Landscape on Warramba Hill.
The day started at the historic sandstone Warramba homestead where the background of landscape rehydration was discussed. The group then moved up the hill to read the landscape, wandering past some friendly highland cows managed by owners Neil and Edwina. From the vantage point of the hill you could fully take in the breathtaking Capertee Valley and appreciate how Emu Swamp Creek moves through the valley.
As the sun rose, we meandered down the creek to see how it was functioning. Pin weirs installed by Neil and Edwina in 2019 had fared well against flooding and have begun to build the creek up again. There were also some great Landcare plantings further down on a neighbour’s property, which had grown significantly since their planting in 2012.
Highland Cattle at Warramba.
We thank Neil and Edwina for their wonderful hospitality, it was very special to return after a trip in 2019.
The next step for Emu Swamp creek is developing a scoping report on the biophysical and socio-economic background of the catchment.
Emu Swamp Creek is a case study in our Landscape Rehydration Capacity Building Curriculum Project, which is funded by the NSW Government Environmental Trust.
