We recently discovered that our property hosts the head of Hemp Hills Creek and a spring-fed dam previously obscured by dense blackberries. Our son and his friends ventured through the thickets, revealing the dam to be vibrant with lily pads and echoing frog calls, signalling reasonable health despite the invasive blackberries. Neighbouring upstream, another dam sits in excellent condition, its edge marked by bull rushes and cattle access. The neighbour, combating ragwort and blackberries with herbicides, is open to organic alternatives. Our dam lacks extraction infrastructure, prompting us to initiate plans for a pump and holding tank system.
Our land marks the start of Hemp Hills Creek, and there is an existing dam on our property that we have only recently been able to access due to the 2 to 3-meter-high blackberries on the farmland and forest around the dam's location. A Recent expedition by our teenage son and his friends into the thicket of blackberries has informed us that the pond or dam is healthy looking, has Lily pads on top, and we have heard the sound of frogs coming from the direction of the dam. We believe, therefore, it is in a reasonably healthy condition save for thick of blackberries around it thick of blackberries around it.
Upstream from our dam is another dam on the adjacent property which also looks to be in good condition with a healthy well-defined edge with bull rushes on one side and access for cattle on the other. There is a steep slope on the adjacent property next to where the dam is, and above the catchment area of our dam. We have seen our neighbour spraying round-up and something like Grazon in this steep area to control ragwort and blackberry. He is open to the possibility of using organic-based herbicides.
There is no plumbing or pump at the dam to extract the water, and this will need to be considered in the design of the farm. A holding tank up at the peak where the water is pumped. May allow gravity feeding to the rest of the farm for irrigation purposes, assuming the water tests okay.
We also have the opportunity to consider placing an additional dam at the very Northpoint of the property, capturing water that's been collected from the track that runs along the north eastern boundary is this track flows down contour to that lowest point on the land in the north. It would be ideal if this water was able to be collected in the existing. Dam, the track does not follow all the way around to the dam and instead flows downhill in both directions to that northernmost point.
Insights and Implications—Existing dam is functional but lacks proper water extraction infrastructure.
The discovery of a viable dam and the head of Hemp Hills Creek on the property provides a significant resource for irrigation and livestock water. Developing this resource through infrastructure improvements like installing a pump and holding tank system could greatly enhance the agricultural productivity and sustainability of the homestead.
The presence of invasive species and the use of herbicides by a neighbouring property pose potential risks to water quality. The neighbour's openness to organic methods presents an opportunity for collaborative environmental management practices that could benefit both properties.
The plan to rehabilitate the existing dam and potentially install an additional dam at the northernmost point of the property highlights a strategic approach to maximising water capture and usage. This could ensure a more consistent water supply, crucial for drought resilience and long-term sustainability.
The current relatively healthy ecosystem indicated by lily pads and frog populations in the dam suggests that the water body supports local biodiversity. Maintaining and enhancing this habitat while improving access and utility is a balance that will benefit both agricultural interests and wildlife conservation.
ACTIONS—Clear invasive plants and install necessary water extraction systems.
Remove overgrowth, particularly the invasive blackberries, and clear debris and fallen trees to ensure the dam is fully functional and accessible.
Set up a pump and a holding tank system at the dam to facilitate gravity-fed irrigation across the farm, enhancing water distribution efficiency.
Before using the dam water for irrigation, conduct thorough water quality tests to ensure it's safe for crop and livestock usage.
Work with the neighbouring property to explore and possibly transition to organic herbicide alternatives that are less harmful to the environment and water sources.
Consider the construction of an additional dam at the northernmost point of the property to capture and utilise runoff more effectively.