CAN YOU HELP US CONTINUE WEED CONTROL AT LIFFEY RESERVE?

TLC’s 14ha Liffey Reserve is nestled on the slopes of the Great Western Tiers, and was included in the Wilderness World Heritage Area in 2015. It is situated alongside several other properties managed for conservation by Bush Heritage Australia and the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service. Foxglove and blackberries have invaded the forest understorey and we are working in an ongoing partnership with our neighbours to control these threats to the reserve's conservation values.

We are heading back to beautiful Liffey Reserve to continue the tremendous work already undertaken by previous teams of volunteers to eradicate these weeds. Can you join us and help improve and maintain this special area's important natural values?

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The activity
We will be strategically searching for and hand-pulling foxglove on a very steep, forested slope alongside the Liffey River. We may also cut-and-paint or dig out small blackberries and elderberries.

Where
TLC Liffey Reserve is located along Bogan Rd, Liffey, near the Lower Liffey Campground. A map showing the exact meeting point will be provided to registered volunteers closer to the date of the activity.

When
The weeding project will be conducted Friday 4 and Saturday 5 December. We will meet at 8am and will work until around 5pm each day. You need to be available to participate both on days.

Getting there
Liffey Reserve is approximately three hours by car from Hobart and one hour from Launceston. If you are driving up from Southern Tasmania or anywhere more than two hours drive away, we recommend that you travel to Liffey or your accommodation the day prior, so you aren't fatigued.

We will provide an exact meeting place to registered volunteers closer to the date of the activity.

Due to Covid-19, TLC will not be facilitating carpooling at this time. We recommend that you travel to this event on your own or only with persons from your immediate household.

Accommodation

You can can self-sufficient camp overnight at the Lower Liffey campground with TLC Staff. The beautiful campground has toilets and campfire facilities. The TLC will provide a cooked dinner on Thursday night for campers in return for a bit of help with prep and clean up.

Alternatively arrange your own accommodation and meals nearby and drive to and from the reserve each day (Deloraine or Golden Valley are the closest options).

Requirements - safety, knowledge and ability

It is absolutely imperative that you very high level of physical fitness and mobility. You will need to be very capable of walking across, up and down very steep, slippery slopes and also of bending over and clambering regularly to negotiate obstacles. There are head-high thickets of ferns and lots of fallen logs.
You will need to have a tough mindset. The going gets tough and we need volunteers that can be productive in challenging conditions.
Reliability is essential - it's very important that we get a great turn out each day. We know things can change for you last minute, but please only register if you can commit to come - rain, hail or shine.
A sense of fun! You'll be working as part of great volunteer team and with TLC staff.
Your safety is our first priority. The TLC will be implementing Covid-19 safety measures including social distancing and personal hygiene measures. We will closely-monitor working conditions and regulations including the latest Australian and Tasmanian government Covid-19 restrictions and requirements. We will provide you with the knowledge, equipment and supervision to stay safe. Before the activity commences you will be asked to complete and sign a Volunteer Safety Form. All volunteer participants must follow our safety requirements strictly for their own safety and the safety of others.
Volunteers under 18 years of age are required to be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
It will help if you can identify foxglove, blackberry and elderflower, however we can teach this skill to those who don’t know how to.

What to bring

Sturdy walking or working boots with good grip. Gaiters are also a good idea.
Enough clothing to be comfortable in hot, humid, cold or wet weather over two days. Long sleeves and long trousers are good to keep warm and to prevent scratches and insect or leech bites. (A rain jacket and a broad-brimmed hat are musts).
Please bring your own lunches, snacks and drinks.
You'll also need to pop everything you need for the day in a day pack as we will likely be remaining on the reserve for the duration of each day's activity.
If you opt to camp, you will need to bring your own food for breakfasts and dinners (aside from Friday night) in addition to your lunches, snacks and drinks. You will also need to bring all required camping equipment and personal items.
The TLC will provide all required working and personal protective safety equipment.

Reimbursement of expenses
Volunteers are entitled to be reimbursed for reasonable out of pocket expenses incurred whilst volunteering with the TLC. This includes fuel and food. You will be able to apply for reimbursement at the conclusion of the volunteer event.

Register early
We need a great turnout so please join the team! Spaces are limited and registrations close Wednesday 25 November.

If you would prefer to register over the phone, please call Community Engagement Coordinator Phill Laroche on 0438 826 606, Monday to Thursday during business hours (except for between 29 October and 13 November).

Thanks very much for your interest and valuable volunteer support. We look forward to working together with you!

Banner photo: Liffey Reserve - Phill Laroche