Manning Landcare teamed with OzFish Unlimited for the project which was carried out at a junction where Burrell Creek meets the river.

Invasive weeds, which can prevent or slow down biodiversity recovery along the river, were removed before 400 native trees were planted.

The project was carried out on the back of Bruce and Belinda Robertson's property. The couple was thrilled with OzFish and Manning Landcare's commitment to regenerate the land and subsequently the fish habitat.

"It was a basic clean-up of the site which is a win-win for the environment and for us," Bruce said.

The project will go a long way to restore the fish habitat, as the trees will help protect the bank from erosion, regulate fluctuations in water temperatures by providing shade, filter runoff and boost invertebrate numbers.

Flooding in February caused erosion and a small outbreak of castor oil plant at the site.

Manning Landcare was informed by OzFish of offers of assistance to residents on the river. Normally, volunteer fishermen are used for the projects.

"Because of COVID-19 they weren't able to send any volunteers," Belinda said.

Instead, the organisation funded a person to conduct the work over four days.

OzFish Unlimited, which recently established a Manning River chapter, was pleased to fund the project as it will also benefit recreational fishermen.

Bruce and Belinda previously received funding through Landcare for fencing on the property. Belinda said this was 'very important' to keep livestock away from the new plantation.

They have relished in a high survival rate of trees so far while the next stage will see increased coverage of native vegetation.

More trees are set to be planted when COVID-19 restrictions ease, according to OzFish. Further weed removal will boost the natural biodiversity.

Meanwhile, Manning Landcare's 'green thumb army' is thinking outside the square to complete their own projects during COVID-19. For example, the Killabakh group is using a roster system to maintain their sites and gardens.

Manning Landcare's Lyn Booth continues to work on funding applications for various projects.

"These grants help to get good projects off the ground," Lyn said.

"It's really motivating for people to know they have access to funding to get their projects done which benefit the whole community."

Gardening is one way to momentarily escape the somewhat depressing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic.

For inspiration, visit Manning Landcare's Facebook page to view their latest works and tours of vegetable gardens.

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