‘Devil’s Pool’ is restored
Sponsorship for the environmental project would be greatly appreciated.
A SECRET but neglected little natural treasure, hidden behind the dunes near Glenmore Beach, has recently been polished up and partially restored to its former glory.
This treasure is a small but rather miraculous natural lake that has variously been called the Devil’s Pool and the Lily Pond. It once was a haven for birds and other wildlife and was used as a recreational facility by local residents. If you ventured behind the first dune line to take a look at this tranquil little spot you wouldn’t be surprised to learn that some of the older folk from this area believe the pond has spiritual significance.
Sadly, it has been a victim of the development that Munster has seen over the years. As more and more of the original grassland area became covered by houses and streets, the water run-off changed. Then a heavy rainstorm during a period when roads around the pool were being constructed resulted in soil and silt being washed into the pool. Over time, as the pool silted up, reeds and bullrushes established themselves in the shallower water. This has resulted in an ever-shrinking area of open water.
In 2010, members of the Munster-Glenmore Ratepayers’ and Residents’ Association took up the challenge to restore the pool to at least some of its former glory. Helped by funds made available by a film company that used the beach for some of the scenes, attempts were made to clear invasive alien plants from the undergrowth. These harmful weeds were choking the perimeter of the pool. A few local residents have ‘adopted’ short sections of the perimeter to maintain it in its cleared state.
The next step was to regain the extent of open water in the pool. Attempts to get rid of some of the reeds by burning proved to be only a temporary solution as the reeds quickly grew back. Specialist application of a water fauna-friendly herbicide resulted in die off of the reeds but the anticipated decomposition was hindered by the large rhizome mass sustaining rapid regrowth of the reeds. Although there was some impact, it did little to increase the open water area.
Most recently, a resident from one of the adjacent complex properties has undertaken to fund an exercise to remove sections of the reeds physically. This project is proving to be successful, but it is clearly a painstaking and time consuming process. Additional sponsorship for the project would be greatly appreciated. To help in any way, contact munstergrra@gmail.com.
