Video transcript - Reservoirs for Nature

This page contains the transcript for the video 'Reservoirs for Nature'.

About this video: This video explains the Reservoirs for Nature program, which is restoring native woodland ecosystems to improve biodiversity, support water security and create environmental benefits for future generations.

Video length: 3:37 minutes

Transcript starts here:

0:10
This project is close to me because I know that my kids and their kids will benefit from the work we're doing today.

0:18
Reservoirs for Nature is a multi year programme that aims to transform X agricultural land into native woodland ecosystem.

0:26
When people think of carbon projects they often think of high density tree plantings and that is not what we're aiming to do here.

0:33
We are aiming to recreate the grassy woodland ecosystems that would have been here before European settlement.

0:40
So it is ecosystems that have overstory tree species relatively spread out with open areas in between them.

0:49
Tree spacing is a really important consideration.

0:52
We're very much in big gum country.

0:54
The canopies can be 20 metres across and inside that is a whole world of wildlife with insects and reptiles and birds.

1:03
Is that something we really want to capture with our design process?

1:06
Set out those large species appropriately so they can really develop into those huge specimens and then layer in the smaller stature species like the She oaks, the golden waddles, the blackwoods and build that structural complexity.

1:20
Finally, we've taken steps to create native grass meadows within The Woodlands where we can really look at understory diversity.

1:28
We've teamed up with some specialised native sea collectors and with local native plant nurseries to propagate 140 native species, including 40 threatened species that are currently being grown and getting ready to plant out here, and we're really excited to see all that come together.

1:45
So the benefit of this project to South Australians is that we are restoring natural ecosystems within our reservoir reserves that strengthen water security for our customers now and into the future, provide improvements to biodiversity and the landscapes within which people live, and help connect our community to these places for now and into future generations.

2:06
SA Water has emissions reduction targets that we are committed to, so we will use the carbon credits that are created through this project to help achieve those objectives and to help offset the emissions associated with some of our major infrastructure and other operational activities.

2:22
My role is to make sure that what we're building is brought to life logistically.

2:27
We've done a lot of planning and a lot of mapping so when we do start to roll out everything can be smooth and quick and effective.

2:34
What I love about the Reservoirs for Nature programme is the opportunity to bring people and nature together in a meaningful and hands on way.

2:42
I'm involved in creating opportunities for the community to be a part of the programme through volunteering activities.

2:50
It's really important to me that we repair the damage that's been done in our landscapes, protect our catchments, our waterways and provide the habitat for the species that make this region fantastic.

3:02
One of the great things of using plants that really belong to a place is that they do tend to flourish and really develop over time.

3:08
It's going to be a slow journey, but one that I'm really looking forward to seeing take place over the years ahead.

3:16
You can stay informed by visiting the Reservoirs for Nature Water Talks web page, or you can also have a chat with one of our reservoir Rangers when you're out visiting the reservoir reserve.