Subject: research, conservation, education
Location: Hart Road Wetlands, Aldinga, SA
Traditional lands of the Kaurna people
The Hart Road Wetlands project south of Adelaide in South Australia began in 2020 in a reserve owned and managed by the City of Onkaparinga council.
Situated on a coastal plain behind Aldinga Beach, this system of artificial wetlands treats urban stormwater but was also designed to provide habitat for wildlife. Public walking paths traverse the reserve and Aldinga Scrub Conservation Park is adjacent.
Activities have involved local residents and others connected with A Rocha Australia in South Australia.
Key outcomes so far:
- weed and rubbish removal
- revegetation with indigenous plant species
- standardised seasonal bird surveys (BirdLife Australia 2.0 ha 20 min method)
- outdoor education lessons with local Christian college classes
- support of local community events, including traditional reed weaving
Results show 79 bird species recorded over three years of surveys and an emerging picture of bird usage of different habitats across the wetlands. Species of ornithological interest include Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus, Lewin’s Rail Lewinia pectoralis, Baillon’s Crake Zapornia pusilla, Spotless Crake Zapornia tabuensis, and Crescent Honeyeater Phylidonyris pyrrhopterus.
Hart Rd Wetlands_Three years of bird surveys report_2022
Following construction: 2008
Thick habitat establishment: 2020
Further habitat restoration activities and more visitor facilities, such as bird hides and signage, are hoped for in the future.
Project in partnership with:
