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Bushcare volunteers

Become a Bushcare Volunteer in Waverley

(With the exception of the Bronte Gully Bushcare Group, Waverley Bushcare is on a summer break and groups are not meeting in January 2023.)

“I love learning about the native fauna and flora from some very knowledgeable people”. Lisa from Diamond Bay Bushcare (pictured above).

Our Bushcare program is a partnership between local volunteers and Waverley Council. It is an essential part of caring for our small pockets of native vegetation that provide habitat to animals, birds and insects.

Volunteers meet regularly to regenerate our natural areas, whilst enjoying the benefits of time in the bush without even having to leave the eastern suburbs!  Our volunteer regenerators help transform lands that are degraded and weed infested into thriving vegetation; full of native plants, animals, birds and insects.

We proudly host some of the most spectacular bushcare sites in Sydney with ocean views and whale watching opportunities in winter.

Join the growing number of locals who are improving our beautiful coastal reserves and bushland to encourage local plant and wildlife populations to thrive.

• Sign up here or just come along.
• Find a group to suit you here.

What to expect

• Six bushcare groups operate in the area during the week and on weekends. You are welcome invited to try each bushcare group to find one that suits you.
• You can come at any frequency you wish. Whatever works for you!
• You’ll be provided with a warm welcome, tools, gloves and morning tea.
• No experience is required. You will receive get on the job training from an experienced and qualified bush regenerator.
• You will learn to identify native plants and wildlife, spot the weeds and how to use chemical free weed management techniques.
• Common duties include planting, weeding and mulching.
• You should bring your hat, sunscreen, bottle of water, sturdy closed-in shoes, sensible sun protective clothing and your enthusiasm!

Benefits of Bushcare

• Studies show that spending even a short amount of time in nature lowers your stress levels and improves your mood and memory.
• It’s a great way to socialise with like-minded locals and give back to the community.
• You will help restore these bushland pockets which are important repositories of locally indigenous plants that form part of the East Coast Vegetation Corridor.
• It’s not just about plants. You’ll discover and learn about native animals, reptiles and birds too.

“I love coming to Bushcare as I find it relaxing as well as energising” Christina from Diamond Bay Bushcare (pictured above).

Joining a volunteer Bushcare group is easy

Simply complete Waverley Council's online Volunteer Registration Form and we’ll be in touch with you!

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

Check out the Bushcare Calendar to find a group that suits you.

Fauna survey activities at Waverley

Don’t stop there! Volunteers at Waverley are also involved in carrying out fauna surveys at our Bushcare sites so that we can witness the positive changes that are being made to the environment from the efforts of our Bushcare volunteers.

Depending on the time of year, our Fauna Survey Group keeps their eyes and ears open for birds, lizards, frogs, rodents and whales! They are also a great help to report the activities of foxes and cats of both domestic and feral persuasion.

Find out more

To find out more about Bushcare or joining the Fauna Survey Group email us at bushcare@waverley.nsw.gov.au or call (02) 9083 8226.