Liffey Volunteer Weeding 4 December 2021

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 Saturday 4 December. We will meet at 8am and will work until around 5pm. 

Getting there
Liffey Reserve is approximately three hours by car from Hobart and one hour from Launceston. 

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
Since it is a big day in the field, for safety's sake, we strongly suggest you stay at Liffey or nearby accommodation either the night before, after, or both. 

You must be self-sufficient to camp overnight at the Lower Liffey campground. The beautiful campground has toilets and campfire facilities along with some picnic tables and fire pits when not already in use. 

Alternatively arrange your own accommodation and meals nearby. (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 challenging 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 an excellent turnout. 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 possible 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 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. 

Express interest early
Registrations close Monday 22 November. Due to the challenging nature of this activity, we may call you to discuss your suitability. We will confirm all participants by Wednesday 24 November. 

If you would prefer to express interest over the phone, please call Community Engagement Coordinator Phill Laroche on (03) 6225 1399, Monday to Thursday during business hours.

Thanks very much for your interest and support. 

Banner photo: Liffey Reserve - Phill Laroche