In May this year, we celebrated 25 continuous years of environmental volunteering by the Bronte Gully Bushcare Group. This dedicated group have been caring for this iconic pocket of bushland, which supports plant diversity and vital habitats for mammals, reptiles, birds, and insects.
Supported by these committed volunteers, this once degraded, weed-infested bushland area has transformed into a healthy ecosystem. On the blog this month, we hear about the extraordinary work done by Bronte Gully Bushcare volunteers and Council teams to restore the gully and outline local Bushcare volunteering opportunities where you can protect and connect with nature without leaving your neighbourhood.
Bronte Gully Bushcare Group
Bronte Gully is a shady oasis which is home to diverse native wildlife, including brushtail and ringtail possums, bluetongue lizards, flying foxes, microbats, many species of birds, and a range of butterflies, moths and spiders. Historically rich in weeds, Council has been implementing the Bronte Gully Ecological Restoration Action Plan since 2015 to remove invasive species and transform the Gully into a biodiverse native haven for plants and animals.
When the Bronte Gully Bushcare group started back in 1998, the northern slope of the Gully was dominated by coral trees, which created a monoculture of weeds that you can still see further up the gully. This meant there was essentially no mid-story vegetation that provided essential habitat. Through consistent efforts over many years, and with the support of Council, the weeds and Coral trees have been removed, , and a diverse and stable vegetation community has been established. This vegetation is now self-sustaining in many ways and amazingly cool in summer.
Bronte Gully Restoration
Recently, the Mayor joined the group to celebrate their 25 year anniversary, marking it as the longest-running continuous group of Bushcare volunteers in Waverley. Together, we shared a morning tea with past and present volunteers and recognised their dedication, expertise and contribution to the Gully's restoration. This includes their efforts in community engagement, understanding ecological restoration processes, and many, many hours of on-ground work. Today, we can all enjoy the view of a landscape that is radically different from what it was 25 years ago and is so loved by the local community, and we look forward to this work progressing into the future.
The Mayor and Glen Stevens at the 25 year Anniversary Event
The group itself is representative of the diversity of the local area. Beyond their regular weeding, mulching and planting activities, they are a dynamic social group with a wide range of interests and expertise outside of their bush caring skills. The Bronte Gully Bushcare Group have been meeting fortnightly since 1998, and there is also now a Bronte Waterfall Bushcare group that meets monthly on a Wednesday at the top of the Gully, close to Bronte Rd.
How can people get involved in Bushcare?
Connecting with nature is good for your mind and soul. Studies show that spending time outside in natural areas lowers stress levels and improves mood and memory. Bushcare allows you to gain new skills, learn about local flora and fauna, help restore the environment, connect with like-minded locals, and give back to the community!
Bronte Waterfall Bushcare volunteers hard at work
Would you like to sign up for one of the Bushcare groups and help look after our coastal native bushland? There is no cost involved, no minimum commitment, and no experience required! Volunteers receive training and guidance from our experienced and qualified supervisors and undertake a variety of activities, including:
- Controlling weeds
- Planting local native species
- Improving native animal habitat
- Tools, gloves and morning tea are provided, and supervised children are welcome.
Check out the annual dates and select a group you’d like to join:
- Bronte Waterfall Bushcare Group
- Hugh Bamford Reserve Bushcare Group
- Diamond Bay Bushcare Group
- Eastern Reserve Bushcare Group
- Bronte Gully Bushcare Group
To get started, fill out our online registration form, and we'll get in touch with you. To find more information, you can also email bushcare@waverley.nsw.gov.au.
Author: Chavvauhn Calver, Bushcare and Bushland Officer