Autumn brings the first working bee for the enthusiastic volunteers from South West Rocks Community Dune Care on Sunday May 2 from 9am to 1pm at Back Beach.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
They will be resuming their war on invasive weeds in public bushland after the Summer break.
Social distancing will be observed, and if COVID-19 restrictions at the time allow, a delicious morning tea and barbeque and salad lunch will be provided.
"Our first working bee for the year is always a good time to tackle the prolific weed senna," Community Dune Care secretary Alan Hill said.
"It's really obvious at the moment with its bright yellow flowers and it's bean-like pods of seeds which help the plant spread in bushland, crowding out the native plants.
"We've been working at Back Beach since 2010, supported by grants from the NSW Environmental Trust.
"We spend the grant money on professional bush regeneration contractors who tackle the huge infestations of weeds like bitou bush, lantana, senna, ochna, glory lily and asparagus fern. Then our volunteers follow up regularly to remove any weed regrowth and give the native plants space to regenerate.
"We're really proud of how well the bush has recovered, with young native trees, shrubs and ground covers across the dunes. The tuckeroos, coastal banksias and wattles, in particular, have thrived after being freed up from the smothering weeds."
The environmental volunteer group hasn't been idle over the Summer months, arranging for contractors to treat weed infestations in public bushland at Smoky Beach, Main Beach, Back Beach, Smoky Cape Lighthouse as well as the Spencers Creek area in Jerseyville (including Boyters Lane Bird Hide). These are all areas which volunteers will be following up over the coming months.
While the volunteer group normally meets on the 4th Sunday during the cooler months, this first working bee was postponed to avoid clashing with Anzac Day.
South West Rocks Community Dune Care has major funding from the NSW Environmental Trust and a great turnout of keen volunteers. They have achieved award-winning success restoring huge areas of publicly owned bushland over 16 kilometres of coastline from the mouth of the Macleay River to south of Smoky Cape lighthouse over more than 25 years.
The community group is also supported by National Parks and Wildlife Service, Kempsey Shire Council and Local Land Services North Coast.
Volunteers are asked to meet at 8.45am on Sunday May 2 at the footbridge at Back Creek, off Buchanan Drive South West Rocks.
For more information call Alan Hill on 0419 012 640.
