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A Sandspit community group is planning to offer tips, training and even free tiger worms in a bid to help local residents do their best to care for the environment.
Sandspit SOS Incorporated (SSOSI) members have spent much of their time over the past six years restoring a wetland reserve in Brick Bay Drive, but they are now planning to offer practical environmental encouragement across a wider area.
Chairperson Jean-Ann Holt says that while not everyone wants to get involved in actual tree planting or environmental advocacy, there are plenty of things all households can do, even if it’s just being careful about what they flush down the toilet.
“Our next project is that we want to remind people of all the ways that they can do their bit,” she says.
“So, things like how to look after your septic tanks, information about inorganic rubbish collection or recycling, and how to deal with food waste.”
SSOSI plans to provide information on composting, bokashi (a fermentation process that helps break down food waste quickly) and worm farming, with members willing to visit local residents to help set up systems, and even donate free tiger worms for new worm farms, which usually cost around $50.
SSOSI was originally formed in 2009 to oppose the building of Sandspit Marina and its primary objective remains the protection and conservation of the estuary, coast and catchment land. In the past six years, members and friends have planted at least 5000 trees in the Brick Bay Drive Wetland
Reserve, transforming what was a barren roadside into sheltered bushland where rare birds such as the banded rail now nest. They are currently trying to establish a clearly defined “edge” to the reserve to prevent cars and boat trailers from damaging trees when they park on the roadside verge during weekends and summer.
Jean-Ann says new group members are always welcome, or people can “try before they buy” by becoming a friend of SSOSI.
Info: Contact Jean-Ann on 09 425 8533 or savesandspit@gmail.com, or visit sandspit.org
