The residents of Dignams Creek have again been busy working on projects protecting and restoring the biodiversity of our local landscape.

One exciting project underway for the Dignams Creek Landcare Group is environmental DNA (eDNA) water sampling. Inspired by a university project that sampled the Bega River system, our group joins Landcare groups in the Murrah, Bega and Candelo to collect water samples from local waterways.

eDNA technology allows identification of species from tiny traces of genetic material left behind in the water. Samples will be analysed looking for both vertebrates (frogs, fish, birds and mammals) and invertebrates (insects, crustaceans and molluscs).

The results, expected later this year, could reveal valuable information about creek health through the presence of indicator species. The technology can also detect animals that have visited the water, potentially identifying everything from feral animals to platypus and perhaps even the occasional koala. We look forward to sharing the findings with the community when they become available.

On the ground, our Landcare volunteers have continued follow-up work on tobacco bush control. While the major infestation has been treated, ongoing hand-pulling of seedlings is essential to prevent reinfestation. This persistence is one of the keys to successful weed management and helps protect native habitat, allowing local plants and wildlife to thrive.

The volunteer wombat team supported by the Wombat Protection Society of Australia has been hard at work treating wombats affected by mange by applying treatment with a long-handled pole and installing treatment flaps on active burrows. These efforts are improving wombat health and supporting local populations.

A hoverfly on a flowering Eriostemon.
Photo: Sally Josh.

Residents have also noticed relatively low numbers of European honeybees this season, while native bees, moths and hoverflies seem to be much more abundant. These fascinating pollinators play an important role in local ecosystems and their increased presence has prompted plenty of discussion along the creek.

The Dignams Creek Community Group has also launched a new website thanks to a big effort from Suzannah and Sally-Anne, making it easier to keep up with local projects, events and community news (www.dignamscreek.com.au).

Don’t forget to save the date for the Diggies Christmas Trash and Treasure Market on 12 December 2026 from 3.00 pm to 7.00 pm. This is a great opportunity to buy some Christmas goodies, catch up with neighbours and celebrate the festive season together!

Heather Anderson

Photo top right: Landcare volunteers admiring a treated Tobacco Bush and planning revegetation for the area. Photo: Heather Anderson.