On a crisp August morning the HRLN committee and staff gathered from all corners of the Hunter to visit Broke Bulga Landcare. After our meeting and an excellent lunch of wood-fired pizzas made by Tricia Hogbin and friends, Tricia took us on a tour of local Landcare projects.
These included recent weeding of slopes adjacent to the Baiame Cave, checking on the health of River Red Gum plantings and updates on a collaborative project between Landholders to improve their shared riparian corridor.
The group have also initiated an innovative project to learn botany through ceramics
What are these objects? A. Fossilised loom weights. B. Pewter mortar bombs. C. Models of River Red Gum flower buds made by Landcarers.
The surprising answer is … C! Check out the amazing workshop Broke Bulga Landcare held this winter.
The workshop was a creative morning outdoors which helped Landcarers develop a deeper connection to the unique Wollombi Brook population of River Red Gums (Eucalyptus camaldulensis). Participants were guided by Elisa Krey from Kreyfarer Ceramics in making flower bud sculptures to support their botanic knowledge. This was also a celebration of this iconic species, which is endangered in the Hunter Valley.
The Wollombi Brook population has a unique genetic richness that makes it crucial to the broader conservation of River Red Gums.
This unique event was supported by The NSW Government’s Environmental Trust and Hunter Local Land Services.
Thanks for having HRLN to visit and good luck with all your innovative projects. Broke Bulga Landcare will be presenting a Soapbox Talk at the 2025 HLRN Regional Landcare Muster. Come and chat with them to learn more and share ideas.
To learn more about the Wollombi Brook River Red Gum revegetation see this guide from Local Land Services (2022).