The Victorian Coastline offers a variety of natural wonders to explore and escape the hustle and bustle of the concrete world. While the Great Ocean Road is a familiar location to many, another beautiful landmark is the George Bass Coastal Walk. Stretching 7km along the headlands of Bass Strait between Kilcunda and San Remo in South Gippsland, the two-hour walk follows George Bass’ voyage along the southern edge of the Anderson Peninsula, some 200 years ago.
For decades, the land was exposed to grazing and as a result the native vegetation slowly declined. Vegetation is significant in providing habitat for native animals and aiding in the ecosystem along coastline. It also provides a shelter against the coastal winds for bushwalkers. Hence the need for some expert support.
Greenfleet’s Helping Hand
In 2005 and 2006, Greenfleet partnered with Parks Victoria to revegetate a 6.47 ha strip of land along the coast. Together, we aimed to turn the bleak coastal walk back into a flourishing ecosystem and enhance the touristic value.
We identified five planting sites and planted a range of native species including Coast Tea Tree (Leptospermum laevegatum), Seaberry Saltbush (Rhagodia candolleana), Coast Banksia (Banksia integrifolia) and Coast Wattle (Acacia sophorae). These indigenous species are native to the area and were chosen for their ability to effectively grow within the specific climate of this location. As part of the preparation of each planting site, an examination of the remnant bush confirms the most suitable species we should plant.
Protected for 100 years, this Greenfleet forest is set to sequester approximately 2,800 tonnes of CO2-e by 2105. This equates to removing over 650 average medium cars from our roads for one year.
How The George Base Coastal Walk Has Grown
These before and after images show the incredible success of this reforestation project. Areas of land with no vegetation are now covered in trees, shrubs and represent a thriving ecosystem. Greenfleet Forester, Eoghan O’Connor explained, “The sites are doing really well. The trees, being located on the headland are highly exposed, with little buffering from the bass strait winds. Despite this, they have grown really well and now provide ample protection to bush walkers on the spectacular walk along the coast.”
Greenfleet forests are biodiverse and in time become self-regenerating, which in turn create self-sustaining ecosystems. “Additionally, the plantings have created a home. The highly flowering and berry yielding trees on the site provide abundant food for countless organisms that combine to form this coastal headland ecosystem,” said Eoghan.
The social value created through this revegetation project has delivered the wider community a chance to re-discover and experience a natural part of the local environment. The longevity of this revegetation project will provide an outdoor escape for many generations to come, leaving only footprints behind.
Becoming A Greenfleet Supporter
The generosity of Greenfleet supporters is the reason the George Bass Coastal Walk has become a piece of coastal paradise again. Every offset donation received contributes directly to the revegetation of land around Australia and New Zealand. Climate change is real! Climate action is easy! Offset your emissions today and do your part in the fight to restore and protect our environment.
Location Size
Planting Dates
Species
- Boobialla
- Coast Banksia
- Coast Tea Tree
- Coast Wattle
- Drooping Sheoak
- Seaberry Saltbush
- Swamp Paperbark
- Tree Everlasting
- White Correa
