Stotts Island, or Keebah meaning “place of respect” is a 160-hectare ecological gem in the Tweed River, renowned for its rich biodiversity and critical conservation value. This April, TEC Crew had the pleasure of meeting with Hamish from Bushland Restoration Services, whose expertise and dedication have been instrumental in the ongoing restoration of this special place. All the information in this update is drawn from Hamish’s extensive knowledge and first-hand experience working on Stotts Island.

The fringes of Stotts Island are protected by yellow and grey mangroves, which act as a natural barrier for the rainforest. The yellow mangrove, with its distinctive round leaf, and the freshwater milky mangrove are both vital to the island’s ecosystem. Historically, mangroves were absent from the island prior to colonisation, but flooding has since introduced both mangroves and a variety of invasive weeds.

Floodwaters bring in aggressive species such as Morning Glory (with its purple flowers), Yellow Winter Senna, Singapore Daisy, Cats Claw Creeper, and Giant Devil Fig. These weeds pose significant challenges, outcompeting native plants and threatening the island’s ecological balance. The Bushland Restoration Services team, led by Hamish, has worked tirelessly for over a decade to control these invasive species and implement best-practice restoration techniques.

Stotts Island features four distinct forest types: Melaleuca forests, the largest Bangalow Palm forest in NSW, Paperbark forests, and Hoop Pine forests. Ancient fig trees Morton Bay and White Fig anchor the riverbanks, while rare palms like the Cigar Cassia Palm highlight the island’s botanical significance. Unfortunately, toxins from the milky mangrove are impacting the health of the Hoop Pines, a challenge closely monitored by the regeneration team.

The island is home to an impressive array of fauna, including 47 bird species, six lizard species, three snake species, and three frog species. It is a critical habitat for the endangered Mitchell’s Rainforest Snail and an important winter foraging area for threatened fruit doves and nectar-feeding bats.

While there is no direct evidence of permanent Aboriginal occupation, Stotts Island likely provided valuable resources for Indigenous communities. The island’s colonial history is tied to early cedar logging, and today, its conservation is a collaborative effort between experts like Hamish and the broader community.

Tweed Eco Cruises is proud to support and share the ongoing work of Bushland Restoration Services. Hamish and his team bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, and passion to the restoration of Stotts Island, ensuring this unique ecosystem continues to thrive for generations to come.

“Hamish and his team have been working tirelessly on bush regeneration for over 11 years, tackling invasive species like Madeira vine, cat's claw creeper, and more.”