It was a rare treat to take a slideshow walk and then a real rainforest walk with expert botanist Dr. Bill McDonald, co-author of The Red Book “Rainforest Trees and Shrubs”. Bill travelled down from Queensland for this event in Dungog on the 23rd/24th November. This “Rainforest Conversations Series” was a collaboration between the Paterson Allyn Williams Science and Ideas Hub, Hunter Region Landcare Network and the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust.
Other presentations at the James Theatre in Dungog included Peter Wilson from Hunter Rainforest Revival Landcare who described some evidence he is using to piece together the probable species composition of the extensive floodplain and lagoon rainforests that grew in the Maitland region prior to European settlement. Planting has begun and more projects are planned, with the aim of joining the Hunter and Paterson River rainforest areas as well as the region between Maitland and Beresfield. The Red Cedar Project is also working on this restoration of the native flora.
Stacy Mail is heading a team to develop and deliver an environmental education project to revive the Lower Hunter Dry Rainforest. HRLN was awarded a grant of $243,220 from the NSW Environmental Trust for this five year project. Hunter Local Land Services and Maitland City Council are partners in this project. More on this in the next Scoop!
Jane Richens described the 200 acres of rainforest at the top end of Tabbil Creek, that she and her partner, Brian, bought 25 years ago. They have been continuously learning about, and caring for, this precious remnant rainforest and Jane records many aspects of the environment, particularly with photographs, art projects and sound recordings. 15 people took part in the guided walk with Bill McDonald the following morning, which explored the structure and species composition of this beautiful remnant Dry Rainforest.
Lacebark Brachychiton discolor
Shatterwood Backhousia sciadophora
Penny Kater described The Gresford Arboretum which was established eight years ago. The aim was to preserve a living record of what rainforest species are endemic to the Gresford area, as sadly there is very little of the habitat left. With community involvement, particularly from the school, and Noel Jupp of Riverdene Nursery, local children planted trees with their grandparents to celebrate Grandparents day. Now a group of about twenty-five volunteers look after the site on Friday afternoons. With mulching and weeding, the plantings have flourished in a community hub that also includes murals, sculptures and a play area for children.
Rye Gollan, the Regional Conservation Officer of the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust explained a range of statutory agreements available for landowners wishing to conserve native flora and fauna on their private land. The Trust is also looking to buy properties, to set them up with agreements and then resell as suitable conservation properties. More information.
Thank you to Ruth Dircks from the Paterson Allyn Williams Science and Ideas Hub for contributing to the information in this report.
