Coastal campsites get some TLC!
Our Track maintenance Field Days have just kicked off for the year, with working bees at West Cape Howe and Boat Harbour campsites on the weekend.
 Ready to start – briefing at West Cape Howe… |  … and Boat Harbour |  Work gets underway |
Both campsites are in exposed coastal locations, with the timber vulnerable to the sun, wind and sea air. Regular application of specialised oil to add moisture to cladding and tables is a standard Field Day task.
 Ladders are used to reach the upper cladding |  Protective oil is also applied to the toilet |  Oiling the table |
Bed platforms are varnished
Bed platforms are varnished – a safer alternative for contact with walker’s mattresses!
Other jobs included revamping signage; cleaning up the tanks, gutters and pipes; and clearing vegetation around the campsite and on the Track nearby.
 Refreshing the campsite includes cleaning grime off the tank |  Campsite signage gets a coat of paint |  Refreshing the campsite name board |
 The landscape at Boat Harbour is recovering well from last year’s fire, but regrowth needs to be kept in check! |  Tattered shadecloth gutter guard was removed |  Enhancing the public face of the Track – signage at Boat Harbour carpark was cleared and painted |
Track pad removal
At Boat Harbour, a team headed up into the dunes west of the campsite to dig up, carry out and stockpile an experimental set of Track stabilisation materials, installed several years ago but no longer needed.
The Field Days were organised by BTF staff Helen Grimm (Volunteer Manager) and Andrew Chiswell (Maintenance Manager) and involved maintenance volunteers allocated to sections in Albany and Frankland Districts. We recognise the time contributed by all volunteers involved, especially those who travelled further to be there.
 Volunteers at West Cape Howe |  Volunteers at Boat Harbour |
 West Cape Howe participants |  Boat Harbour participants |
Particular thanks go to Support Volunteers Wes Fokkema and Hedley Amos, for assisting with planning, coordination and transport of tools.
Future 2025 Field Days are planned for Waalegh, Canning, Yabberup, Lyalls Mill and Boarding House campsites.
