Ovens-Buckland Confluence Revegetation Project

The area around the confluence of the Ovens and Buckland Rivers is an important area for biodiversity. It provides one of the few opportunities for ecological connectivity across the Upper Ovens Valley through linking Mt Buffalo National Park to the Ovens River Reserve and State Forest to the north. The area has been in poor condition due to past gravel extraction, unregulated vehicle access and rampant weeds, including large woody weeds such as Poplars, Elms, Willows and Blackberries.

In 2017, the Upper Ovens Valley Landcare Group carried out extensive woody weed control on both sides of the river, in partnership with NECMA and DELWP. This has been followed up with the planting of over 6000 trees and shrubs over 5 years.

The drone footage at this link, produced in 2020 by Group member, Mick Donges, provides an overview of the site. 

Ongoing maintenance is required and some of the earlier plantings in shorter guards are now being replaced with tall guards due to browsing by deer and wallabies. We have been experimenting with Corflute and wire guards 1.2 metres high.

These sites can be accessed from Telford’s Lane, off the Great Alpine Road, or off the Mt Buffalo Road, approximately 700 metres from the Porepunkah roundabout.

Part of the project is to provide sustainable public access to the river, improving the amenity for locals and visitors alike.