Buzzing with Purpose: Highlights from The Gums Landcare Group May Working Bee

Towering gums and shady open spaces make the Gums Reserve in Tranmere a beloved local gem – and thanks to the tireless work of The Gums Landcare Group, this patch of nature is thriving with life and learning.

The group gathered on Friday 16th May at the Yongala Community Landcare Shed – aptly named, as Yongala is Kaurna for “Meeting place of the North and South peoples.” Volunteers worked side-by-side before finishing with a laid-back, bring-your-own morning tea, celebrating years of environmental care and dedication.

Years of Passion and Progress

This group of devoted volunteers has spent years restoring and enhancing the reserve. From clearing dead shrubs and carting mulch to paving around the shed and digging into rock-hard soil, their ongoing efforts have transformed the landscape into a flourishing habitat.

Bee Hotels: A Habitat for 700 Species

One of the most buzzworthy initiatives is the installation of four bee hotels, the first of which was set up in mid-2020. Supported early on by Sophie Thomson from Gardening Australia, these hotels provide critical breeding spaces for over 700 species of native bees.

Handmade from recycled materials by Ian from the group, each hotel features bamboo apertures 100mm deep, enclosed on one end. Bees lay their eggs inside, sealing them with pollen for nourishment. Each aperture can hold up to 10–12 eggs, and the lifecycle runs from September through January, with the young hatching after winter.

To track each season’s usage, the team marks apertures with coloured dots – blue for 2025 – and replaces any that split. These structured sanctuaries complement nature’s own shelters, like fallen logs, which also serve as crucial bee habitat – highlighting the importance of leaving nature undisturbed when possible.

Planting for Biodiversity & Creek Health

During the working bee, the group planted natives such as:

• Ruby Salt Bush (Enchylaena tomentosa) – A bush tucker plant rich in vitamin C
• Hardenbergia violacea – A bee magnet and hardy native creeper

These plants don’t just look great – they stabilise the soil, offer ground cover, and support biodiversity around Third Creek. With their deep roots, they help prevent erosion and boost riparian habitat health.

The creek itself floods rapidly with just 3mm of rain, then dries up, often leaving behind litter. Through the Adopt-a-Spot program, volunteers return regularly to clean up debris and care for this sensitive ecosystem.

Habitat Boxes and Future Projects

Thanks to recent State Government grants, the group has begun installing habitat boxes for Boobook Owls, Pardalotes and possums, creating more opportunities for wildlife to return and thrive. There are also future plans to introduce trail cameras to monitor activity and help with ongoing research.

Past Green Adelaide grants have also played a pivotal role, helping fund fencing and creekbank restoration after flood damage.

A Lasting Impact

From habitat creation and plantings to monitoring and clean-ups, The Gums Landcare Group exemplifies community-powered conservation. Their hands-on approach keeps the reserve vibrant, resilient, and rich in life. Well done to all involved – your efforts are truly making a difference.