Friends of Wooditjup Bilya Program Returns to Champion River Conservation

Nature Conservation Margaret River Region is proud to announce the return of the Friends of Wooditjup Bilya program, a community-led initiative dedicated to the protection and restoration of the Margaret River (Wooditjup Bilya). This revitalised program will feature monthly events that blend education, action, and cultural connection.

In September, join us as award-winning ecotourism operator and keen river observer, Sean Blocksidge recounts his rare firsthand encounter with the elusive lamprey- a species few have ever seen- and what it reveals about the river's hidden life. Sean has hosted scores of visitors to our region over his decades long career at Margaret River Discovery Co. Find out what he's learned from decades of paddling, walking and observing the river and what important messages he shares with locals and visitors alike in caring for the Wooditjup Bilya.

“We’re excited to bring the community together again to care for Wooditjup Bilya,” said Nature Conservation Program Coordinator, Lauren Scanlon. "The wild weather this Makuru has provided us with plenty of work to do and we are excited to get stuck in to restoring the riparian vegetation along the Margaret River. This is more than just environmental work — it’s about reconnecting with place, culture, and each other.”

The Friends of Wooditjup Bilya is an exciting initiative aimed at caring for the Margaret River through a packed calendar of events to inspire and educate locals about our iconic waterway. Friends of the Wooditjup Bilya gatherings may include a guided excursion or guest speaker and will provide monthly opportunities for volunteers to tackle important revegetation or regeneration work. They’re held on the first Thursday of every month everyone is welcome!

Locals and visitors connect to the river in different ways, whether it’s walking along the trails, fishing, swimming, taking photos or just as a way of being in nature. Most feel a connection with the river, benefit from it, and can now play a role in protecting it as we work together along key sites of the Wooditjup Bilya foreshore to regenerate riparian vegetation, restore degraded banks, enhance existing habitats, tackle weeds and mitigate erosion

The Friends of Wooditjup Bilya welcomes volunteers of all ages and experience levels. Tickets are free, but registration is essential. For more information and to get involved, visit natureconservation.org.au.

The Friends of Wooditjup Bilya is funded by the Shire of Augusta Margaret River through the Environmental Management Fund.

Stay tuned to our Events page, Nature Conservation’s social media channels, or subscribe to our monthly newsletter for all the details.