The Maylands Samphire flats have been historically modified through the clearing of native vegetation, residential development and the digging of drainage lines. These activities have altered the site through the fragmentation of samphire communities, changed topography, introducing weed species and changed hydrological conditions
Analysis of vegetation health indicated that the site consists of excellent condition saltmarsh,but there are degraded areas at the edges where the saltmarsh adjoins the parkland.
Maylands Samphires is an important bird breeding site and restoring the saltmarsh is helping to provide habitat for water birds, reptiles, aquatic creatures and invertebrates.
In 2012 the Friends of Maylands Samphires began in 2012 through Environment House in Bayswater. On site works to conserve the samphire flats include weeding and revegetation of the saltmarsh, connecting isolated areas and extending the saltmarsh. The group meets regularly from 7 to 9am on Tuesday mornings and works closely with the City of Bayswater’s Environment team.
The City and the Friends group have also been awarded several grants to undertake weed control and propagate plants from seeds collected at the site. In 2020 the City commissioned a 10-year management plan for the site. This plan aims to guide the future restoration works for the site.