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Wattening Springs Catchment
Wattening Springs Catchment is situated in the north-eastern section of the Shire of Toodyay. Wattening Springs and two permanent streams flow into the Toodyay Brook that runs down the centre of the Shire, and then into the Avon River (at West Toodyay). The area is remarkable in that these streams retain a supply of fresh water throughout the year. This water is recharged from the surrounding Phillips' sandplain.The area also contains Wattening Springs Nature Reserve. Covering 40.5 hectares, this is an 'A' class reserve, unique amongst the reserves within the Shire. It lies within gently undulating country which has been cleared for farming.
Soils vary from light coloured sands to sandy loams. The vegetation associations within the reserve are Yorkgum woodland with Acacia acuminata, Swamp sheoak forest along watercourses, and also tamma thicket with low sedges beneath and flooded gum. Outisde the reserve there is heath vegetation, areas containing the acorn banksia and the sandplain cypress.
Wattening Springs Catchment Group was formed in 1998 to address problems of rising ground water lelels within the catchment. The group has undertaken revegetation projects within the catchment, and installed a system of piezometers to measure ground water levels and quality.
Regular monitoring of groundwater and surface water has been undertaken since 1999. In 2003, a drainage channel was constructed to assist with rising ground water problems.
Monitoring has shown that ground water levels have remained constant since records have been kept, due in part to projects undertaken by the Group.
Some Members of the Catchment group are also part of the Skeleton Weed Action Group which raises awareness about the weed. If you think you may have skeleton weed call you local Departmetn of Agriculture office .
Wattening Springs Catchment group also has a succesful Envirofund project which involves fencing and revegetation and protection of remnant vegetation.
If you wish to find out more information about the Wattening Springs area, please contact the Toodyay LCDC at info@toodyaylandcare.org.au
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