In April 2019, Southern Habitat began Stage 1 of slope stabilisation works of the embankment of Gaerloch Reserve, Tamarama.
This Reserve is highly visible and forms part of the famous Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk.

• Due to its steep and rocky terrain, we initially erected a woven mesh fence to provide a deterrent and exclusion zone to minimise public access.
• We then mowed the turf and applied herbicide twice, before removing any remaining weeds by hand.
• Trenches were excavated and coir logs were installed and secured by hardwood stakes.
• 390 plants were installed onto the slope after pre-slitting the jute mat to minimise disturbance. These consisted of endemic coastal headland species such as Dune Fan-Flower (Scaevola calendulacea), Warrigal Spinach (Tetragonia tetragonioides) and Pig Face (Carpobrotus glaucescens).
• A 13mm drip irrigation system was installed at 400mm contour intervals above the surface of the jute mat.
• A maintenance period of 6 months followed practical completion, which included watering, weeding, rubbish removal, fertilising, pest and disease control and replanting.