Bayside Environmental Friends Network

Bayside Community Nursery Second Gala TOMORROW
Come along to the Bayside nursery for our second gala day for 2026 and take the opportunity to buy our lovely indigenous plants for your garden, see the gardens for wildlife information and have a free sausage
When: Saturday 30 May, 9am to 1pm
Where: 315-317 Reserve Rd, Cheltenham.
Plant of the month Sticky Daisy Bush , Olearia ramulosa

LONG HOLLOW HEATHLAND WORKING BEE SUNDAY 31st MAY at 1PM.
Planting season has arrived! This Sunday's working bee at Long Hollow will focus on the 2019 ecological burn site in the SW corner, so meet us down at the southern end of the reserve at 1 pm. Will is going to park the truck in Gramatan Avenue to save carrying things too far.
It is amazing to see how much growth has occurred in the 7 years since the burn, with many trees now dominating the corner, including Black Wattle (Acacia mearnsii) and Cherry Ballart (Exocarpos cupressiformis). A bit of infill planting with some lower growing species will help replenish the diversity in this part of the reserve.
Sunday looks a little showery, but not too cold. Good planting weather - but bring a coat!
See you there
Rob

Everybody who is interested is welcome to come and learn ID and methods to control weeds in the reserves or their own gardens.

The W**ding Workshop will be held during our normal working bee time slot : Hosted by Citywide Bushland and Nursery Supervisor, Jo Hurse, Bushland crew member, Aaron Hurrell, and the Friends of Ricketts Point Landside, the workshop focus will be on the dominant weeds at Ricketts Point hinterland. You will also have the opportunity to learn tips and tricks to help identify indigenous plant species and assist with the ongoing work of the Friends using non-chemical methods.
When:
19 May 2026
Time: 01:00pm-03:00pm
Location:
Ricketts Point Hinterland
Corner of Coral Avenue and Beach Road

W**ding workshop at Ricketts Point Hinterland Do you struggle identifying weeds in your garden? Have you ever wondered about the potential for your garden plants to become environmental weeds in our reserves and parklands?Come along to our W**d Workshop and learn how to identify the most common weeds, the best removal techniques at the right ti...

At the Concourse in Beaumaris there is an area at the front of the car park known by the locals as the green space. At various times the traders push to have this space "improved". This time the changes are major. The Beaumaris Conservation Society has campaigned against all the previous attempts to change the look of the space and have won. This time they will need your help when the plans are presented to Council. BCS has the view that the space should remain an indigenous area with no buildings or concrete paths. At present, it has a shelter with seating which was erected in COVID and a few seats scattered around the area. That shelter is very likely going to stay. The question is where it should be and how big. Moving the toilet block, large concrete paths and maintaining the grass in a pristine state at all times is not acceptable.
Four pics are attached: The space as it was in 2002, the proposal in 2002 which did not go ahead and the drawing of the new proposal.

If you would like to share a story, photo or outcome from a recent event you may have attended, or anything else you think our readers would enjoy reading about, please email us at [email protected]

If you are running short on time, we’re also here to help! We can put together articles for you based on some dot points and an image and send through to you to review and approve. Please let me know if you need any assistance.

Thanks again and I look forward to seeing your contributions for the winder edition.

Working Bees for May 2026
If you are interested share your name in the comments so that we can help you with more information.

Lex O'Connor is concerned that the tree outside 12 Church Street Brighton will be removed. Please write a letter to the Bayside Council if you want Council to reconsider their decision.

Why not have a go:
City Nature Challenge 2026: Bayside
Join in the City Nature 2026, taking part in one of the largest global citizen science events, while learning more about the incredible biodiversity within Bayside.
Running from Friday 24 to Monday 27 April, you can snap a photo of wild plants, animals or fungi, or record a call, and upload it to the iNaturalist app, available on the App Store. Your observations will automatically be included in the City Nature Challenge 2026: Bayside project page and contribute to the Greater Melbourne project competing against cities around the world.

If you are new to citizen science and have not participated in the City Nature Challenge before you can drop in to the Citizen Science Corner at Beaumaris Library. There are some fantastic resources available to assist, including an Adventure Kit to borrow, and a demonstration iNaturalist app to try.
When:
24 April 2026 to 27 April 2026
Location: Bayside Victoria Australia
Organiser: Bayside City Council
Price: Free

Just a moment...

Did you know that you can Read or Download the Banksia Bulletin at https://7c21074d.flowpaper.com/BanksiaBulletinAutumn2026accessible/ =1
This edition is bursting with interesting articles. Well worth reading.

Tuesday 17th March at 1pm. Tour of Ricketts Point Landside. Meet on Beach Rd at the junction of Coral Avenue, Beaumaris. It was too hot in February so we had to reschedule the tour.

UPDATE: RESCHEDULED TO TUES 17 MARCH DUE TO EXTREME HEAT

Open Day at Ricketts Point Hinterland
Tuesday 17th February at 1 pm.
The Friends of Ricketts Point Landside invite you to join in a tour of the reserve by group Convenor, Sue Raverty. This little-known gem has been transformed by the Friends over the last 27 years, from lawn and a few trees, to a reserve rich in indigenous coastal plant species, attracting lizards and skinks and many smaller bird species.
The tour will start at 1pm sharp, meeting at the corner of Beach Road and Coral Avenue, winding through the reserve towards Reserve Road. If time allows, you are also welcome to participate in some regeneration activities, supervised by Citywide bush crew. All equipment required for the activities will be supplied.
Please be aware that paths are uneven and closed toe shoes are essential.
No booking required unless you are keen to join in the activities. For further information please contact Environmental Volunteer Support Officer, Anna Malone: email [email protected]
(https://www.bayside.vic.gov.au/explore-bayside/events/open-day-ricketts-point-hinterland)