Woody Meadow Trial at Cuming Reserve

  • Project typeLandscape Project
  • Project value$15,000
  • Completion Date03 May 2024
Native plants in a park

Background

A trial Woody Meadow was planted in Yarraville's Cuming Reserve in May 2024 in collaboration between Council, Footscray High School students, the Green Guerrilla Group, and the University of Melbourne.

The Woody Meadow Project, led by the University of Melbourne Green Infrastructure Research Group, aims to create low-maintenance and high aesthetic landscapes using Australian Native plants.

This led to a Woody Meadow trial in Cuming Reserve, featuring carefully selected shrub species known for their resilience and adaptability to the local environment and contributing to biodiversity in the area.

Linking to the Urban Forest Strategy, this initiative contributes to key objectives, including adapting to climate change and maximising environmental outcomes.

Under the guidance of researchers and with the participation of our enthusiastic volunteers, the project incorporates innovative techniques such as coppicing (pruning) and low-irrigation practices. These methods not only ensure sustainable landscape management but also serve as a model for future green initiatives in the community.

What’s happening now?

It’s been 18 months since Cuming Reserve’s Woody Meadow was planted by Footscray High School students and it’s time for the first hard prune. The technique is called coppicing and it will cut the plants down to encourage new growth. Footscray High School students will also help with the pruning stage.

This type of pruning is what Woody Meadows are designed for and plants have been selected that respond favourably to hard pruning as it mimics disturbances like fires and storms in nature.

Please enjoy watching this Woody Meadow resprout in the coming months.

Learn more about Woody Meadows on the University of Melbourne website.

Click here to view Council's Urban Forest Strategy.

Timing of works

First pruning late October 2025

How the works will impact you?

It is not anticipated for any works to impact residents.

Frequently asked questions

What is a Woody Meadow? 

A Woody Meadow a Woody Meadow is a landscape treatment using Australian native plants that is low maintenance and promotes biodiversity. Plants are maintained by coppicing (-a pruning technique where plants are pruned to 10-20cm) every 2-4 years. Plants selected have been tested by the University of Melbourne for the ability to re-sprout after hard pruning. 

Is the Woody Meadow at Cuming Reserve going to be permanent? 

The Woody Meadow will be established at Cuming Reserve as trial. Council will review the benefits and consider its suitability as a permanent installation in due course.

What is coppicing?

Coppicing is hard pruning of woody plants down to 15 cm which mimics natural disturbances like fires or storms, stimulates new shoots, and promotes flowers.

 

Why do you coppice these plants now?

According to the research from the University of Melbourne, the first coppice needs to occur 18 months after planting. As it was planted in May 2024, October 2025 is the right time for the first coppice.

 

Is the coppicing supposed to look like really hard pruning?

Yes. Species of shrubs and small trees are selected based on their ability to regenerate after natural disturbances such as fire and storms, and coppicing stimulates the same response in an urban setting.

Will these plants grow back?

Yes. We expect these plants to grow back within a few months. Within the next 6-12 months we expect more growth than in the Woody Meadow’s first 18 months.

When will this pruning happen again?

We will prune again in 2-4 years then every 2-4 years after.

Contact details

Recreation and Open Space
9688 0200
ros@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au
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