It was an absolute pleasure to talk to the director of Eco Land Clearing of Margaret River (and environs), in Western Australia, after Frost Magazine became aware of this sustainable eco land clearing enterprise – and even more of a pleasure to award it the Frost Magazine Eco Award 2023.
Margaret River is a beautiful area of Western Australia, south of Perth. When I stayed there too many years ago researching my first bestseller, Canopy of Silence, there were forests with gums, karri and jarrah trees, wonderful surf, wineries, not to mention fire breaks. All these still exist and one day I will return because I love it, and frankly the Margaret River wine is ambrosia. (I fear the Australians keep it for themselves, as I seldom see it here – how mean is that.)
Before clearing After
So, trees and wineries, fire breaks … Surf takes care of itself, but what about clearing land-bound areas of its inflammable bush – after all fire is an ever present risk in the heat of Australia. This year in particular fire is something that has come to the forefront of our minds as the media brought news of conflagrations in most land masses. So what can be done to reduce this risk?
Eco Land Clearing – vegetation management – is what ‘can be done’: ‘Our way of working is still a relatively new idea in Western Australia, ‘ director Neil Coffey explained to Frost Magazine. ‘But with bush fire issues becoming more of a danger, this environmentally friendly method is increasingly the preferred method of clearance, and certainly it is for us. You see, we mulch, rather than burn the removed bush and shrubs. Our business comprises a CAT299 posi track machine with a Fecon mulching head attachment to mulch vegetation to the point where it breaks down into the soil, thereby improving the soil quality, rather than sending such an important addition up in smoke, not only wasting a soil asset but spreading the risk of fire.’
Before After
The resulting mulch returned to the soil – not burned
Neil Coffey added: ‘Let’s face it, the soil needs all the help it can get to bulk up, and provide a nutritious base for well controlled flora and fauna. The machinery is used for BAL (bushfire attack level) compliance work designed to ensure all fire hazard is at safe levels, especially around homes.’
Before After
‘To this end we operate near properties, not only for their protection from fire, but also to improve the views and access, and let’s not forget fence lines and wineries, where we remove vegetation close to the vines, Vegetation that has the potential to create fire hazards,and, additionally, to accomodate pests. Again, all that is removed is mulched back into the earth. You see, our committment is to sustainability, day in and day out. It seems clear to us that there is no time to lose.‘
Before After
The above images show old vines pulled out with an excavator and left neatly insitu for Eco Land Clearing to mulch. Over time, after it has broken down enough, the winery turns it back into the soil and then plants new vines.
The above image is of clearing around vines (left) for pest control which gives the birds longer to travel without cover so reduces the damage caused to crops.
Neil Coffey added, ‘Eco Land Clearing generally only clear smaller vegetation such as regrowth trees and undergrowth bush as well, of course, as non natives. We leave behind all the established trees and plants as well as protected species. We also work in with Flora and Fauna specialists to ensure we have minimal impact on animals and their habitats. This requires pre-work inspections and spotting during the process on some jobs.‘
You can understand why Frost Magazine is proud to highlight this proactive eco business – Eco Land Clearing with its committment to the land, and to award it our Eco Award 2023 and wish it all the luck in the world. Keep up the good work.
For Further Information:
+61 458 980 700
Admin@ecolandclearing.com.au
https://www.facebook.com/ecolandclear