The Derwent Catchment Project 'Willow Warriors' had their first working bee for the year on the Tyenna River at Maydena over the weekend. The team focussed on the rehabilitation of the riparian reserve on a former pine plantation site. Native vegetation planted 18 months ago was tended to, with weeding and removing tree guards completed.

It was pleasing to see the very low failure rate of the first planting with less than 20 of the original 300 needing to be replaced. Additional native grasses were planted. Radiata pine wildlings were cut and more areas earmarked for future removal and plantings.

The river is looking great with some nice trout spotted during the day.

More working bees are planned for the summer and autumn - If you are interested in participating in the program please contact Morgan McPherson by email at: morgan@derwentcatchment.org