The Full Story
Janefield Wetlands
Janefield Wetlands first floating wetland trial using a design by Fytogreen.
Mission
After a series of bird deaths in October 2020, a small group of concerned community members teamed up with Whittlesea Council and Melbourne Water to prevent further deaths of our native birds.
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It is believed that the local Cygents (baby swans) were being targeted by foxes when they would go to the land to feed. There was also a series of floods that washed away swan nesting areas.
Our solution was to install floating islands to create a safer habitat for the Swans and other birds to nest and feed on.
Vision
Janefield Wetlands was the trial location to these specific types of floating wetlands. It was our hope, that if these wetlands were successful at creating a safer habitat for our birdlife, then these islands could be rolled out to other local waterways that are struggling with the same bird losses.
How do they work?
This floating island, built by Fytogreen has been put in Janefield Wetlands to create a safer environment for the local swans and birdlife to use as a sanctuary away from predators. Whilst foxes and other predators do have the ability to swim, they a less likely to make their way out onto these islands.
Success!
As of August 2022, this island has proven to become a refuge for many different bird species, including the black swans. Our team were also surprised to find turtles and also a snake enjoying this island.
