We chose a site that was close to another major planting 2019 planting, so that preparation and post-planting maintenance could be done efficiently while the larger site was being attended to.  The site sits along the bank of the Skeleton Creek, in Hoppers Crossing. It is part of a Melbourne Water managed block of about 5Ha which has become full of introduced weeds, following earlier agricultural clearing, and more modern industrial damage. It currently has a low value for levels of indigenous flora and fauna. It is intended to regenerate the entire site over the next ten years to restore it to a high value indigenous habitat, to allow an increase in indigenous fauna, and to turn it into a beautiful passive recreation area for the public. Two NatureWest facilitators and three volunteers attended on the planting day. The holes were drilled prior to planting commencing, and stakes and guards were removed from the older plantings, to be re-used on the day. Six staff members from GJ Gardner attended at the set time of 1pm, and a safety and instructional briefing was delivered by NatureWest staff. Planting, and setting up stakes and guards for the entire 315 plants took about two hours. It was necessary to mount guards on all plants as the area still has a remnant rabbit population. Watering and tamping-in plants was done after the planting finished. Following the planting session, afternoon tea was served from the NatureWest field kitchen, with tea and coffee, muffins, biscuits and fruit. The planted area will be monitored for weeds over the 2019 Spring, and weeded where necessary. Four more waterings will be done over the spring and summer months to ensure as high a survival rate as possible. Thank you to the team from G.J. Gardner for not only purchasing these trees but for coming out with us to plant on the day. Your efforts were very much appreciated. Bruce Boddington | Co-ordinator | NatureWest