WHAT a difference a few trees can make.
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About a decade ago, the banks of the Peel River in the middle of Tamworth were pretty bare.
Now some life is starting to sprout along the banks and bringing some surprising results for the city's fishers.
A strong crowd of "fishos", families and Landcare friends rolled up their sleeves on National Tree Day to show some love for the river.
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Tamworth Urban Landcarer Anne Michie said the group put a mix of more than 200 locally-germinated shrubs and trees, including lomandra, river reds, kurrajongs and acacias, with the aim of bringing the river back to life.
"We had The Pub fishing club here cooking us breakfast because we are all fishos who are all about habitat," Ms Michie said.
"[It's] vitally important for the food cycle in the waterways for the fish.
"You've got your insects in the trees that fall into the water, plus they also stabilise the banks so you don't get erosion and it also proves homes for the fish when the snags go in."
Ms Michie has overseen a great deal of change along the river between the bridges and it has already harbouring results.
"It's a work in progress ... eventually it will get better," she said. "But it will get better, people catch fish here in the river, good cod and stuff like that."