This will not only be a social occasion, it will also provide an opportunity to hear a short but interesting information session and also to earn some sapphires (sapphs – the local currency).

Non-members are most welcome to attend any part of the morning, and, should they wish to join on the day, that will also be possible.

The gathering will start with morning tea/coffee/muffins at 9am, at which time the local Seed Savers Group will also have a stall.

Both morning tea and seeds may be purchased with either cash or sapphs.

At 9.30am, Chris Allen will give a brief talk about BEND, permaculture, and conservation in the wetland area.

At 10am there will be a hands-on session for around two hours, working along the river.

Many shrubs, trees and grasses were planted in 2004 to stabilise the banks and these are now well-established and require some cutting back, to encourage more clumpy growth and reduce top-heaviness.

Prunings will be used around the bases to assist soil retention.

LETS members will get paid in sapphs for the time they work.

A member has donated the sapphs to do this, believing in the benefit for both BEND and LETS.

A short general meeting will be held at midday, for those who wish to attend, before breaking for lunch and more socializing at 12.30pm, with the gathering wrapping up at around 1.30pm.

To join in the working session take gloves and light tools and grab a hat and drinking water.

If staying for lunch, take a plate to share.

Suggested parking is in Bridge Street, then walk across the BEND corner paddock.

The meeting spot will be apparent.

For more information contact Hallie on 6492 7136.