Bushcare

Click here  to download a list of group dates for 2012 Bushcare Logo

Waverley Bushcare is a community based initiative combining community volunteers, trained bush regenerators and Council resources to restore, protect and enhance remnant bushland areas in Waverley. Several Bushcare groups meet regularly (generally once a month for anything up to three hours).

If you would like to:

  • conserve remaining remnant vegetation in the coastal zone 
  • learn about Waverley's native plants and animals
  • provide better shelter, food and habitat for wildlife 
  • encourage the growth and dispersal of native plants
  • control weedy plant species
  • raise community awareness and interest in urban bushland and habitat
  • meet your neighbours and like-minded people
  • keep active, socialise and have fun in the outdoors

Then we need to hear from you!

   

How do I join a Bushcare volunteer group?

Simply complete Waverley Council's online Volunteer Application Form  and we will be in touch with you! 

Or just come to one of our groups, and see for yourself how it works.

Just download a list of existing Bushcare Groups, which gives you meeting places and times.

We provide you with gloves, tools, a helping hand and a light morning tea. All you need to bring is your hat, sunscreen and water, sturdy closed-in shoes, sensible sun protective clothing and your enthusiasm!

How do I find out more about Waverley's Bushcare activities?

There are several ways to find out more about our Bushcare activities:

  • Download our quartlerly newsletter Bushcare News
  • Email us at bushcare@waverley.nsw.gov.au for more information or sign up for our emailable newsletter and regular updates
  • Phone Deborah Law, Bushcare Coordinator on (02) 9386 7915

Bush regeneration and Waverley's remnant bushland

Bush regeneration is the term used in Australia for the ecological restoration of remnant vegetation or bushland. Waverley contains six hectares of remnant bushland, which provide valuable habitat, food and shelter for local wildlife and are irreplaceable parts of our natural heritage. Being one of the most densely populated municipalities in Australia, our remaining vegetation faces many adverse challenges such as a high volume and velocity of stormwater runoff and increased nutrient levels and soil disturbance. This combination of conditions favours the growth of exotic plants over native bushland.

The primary goal of bushland regeneration is to work within our remnant bushland to help it to overcome some of these constraints. Careful consideration is given to weed removal strategies for each site. Weeds can also be important habitat for native fauna, for example Lantana provides great protection for our small birds such as the Suburb Fairy Wren. It is important that alternate habitat has been established nearby before removing weeds. Weeds can also absorb nutrients, protecting bushland remnant and prevent soil erosion .

Bush care contractors Bushcare group 2011

Waverley's remnant bushland

Waverley's remnant vegetation has been mapped, and can be viewed Online. (Note: Tick Remnant Vegetation box, un-tick other boxes and click 'apply').

Waverley Councils management of our urban bushland includes:

  • Engaging professional bushland regeneration contractors to care for our remnant bushland. In addition, Council obtains funding from sources such as Caring for Country.
  • Supporting volunteers to care for our urban bushland and improve the vegetation corridors along our coastline through the Waverley Bushcare Volunteer Program.

See also, the Biodiversity section of this website, in particular Waverley's Land Environment and Native Plants, and Gardening with Native plants.

Map of Waverley Bushcare Sites