North Rothbury Bushcare group commenced back in early 2021. The group started with only a few local residents from North Rothbury village – all with the passion and vision to regenerate and restore remnant pockets of native vegetation. These pockets provide important habitat for threatened plants and animals including Lower Hunter Spotted Gum Ironbark Forest and the critically endangered North Rothbury Persoonia (Persoonia pauciflora).
The group primarily work within Frederick Street Road Reserve, North Rothbury, which was originally inundated with patchy to widespread Lantana, Maderia Vine, Bridal Creeper and Purple Top, to name a few of the weeds. We now have a fabulous core group of twelve dedicated members and occasional visitors who help when they can.
The bushcare site is home to the critically endangered Persoonia pauciflora, which occurs only in the North Rothbury area; another important reason to protect and improve this local environment. The group recently had the opportunity to plant two Persoonia pauciflora within the planting site. A special thanks to Cessnock City Council, NSW Saving Our Species and Hunter Region Landcare Network for all the support and guidance.
The locally endemic Persoonia pauciflora
Key Highlights and activities
We meet on the 2nd or 3rd Saturday of each month to control priority weeds and encourage natural regeneration.
- Organised two successful National Tree Planting days, with over 500 tube-stock planted!
- Held two Clean-up Australia days in the North Rothbury area.
- Hosted a Persoonia guided walk at Tiraki National Park supported by National Parks and Wildlife Service and NSW Saving Our Species.
- We work with Saving Our Species to protect and monitor North Rothbury Persoonia populations along Washery Road
We have received over $10,000 of grant funding from Cessnock City Council and NSW Saving Our Species to undertake primary weed control and purchase equipment and planting materials.
Next steps
North Rothbury Bushcare has joined forces with National Parks and Wildlife Service to commence weed control works at Tiraki National Park in November 2025. Plans are also underway for the removal of illegally dumped rubbish and waste along Frederick Street Road Reserve.
We will be running a guided Persoonia walk in 2026 – come along!
If you would like to find out more about North Rothbury Bushcare contact Eva Twarkowski on 0447 770 607 or Roger Yandle on 0414 963 678.