Crescent Head and Point Plomer Bush Care
Crescent Head and Point Plomer Bush Care
In a relatively short period of time the Crescent Head and Point Plomer Bush Care group have developed a successful volunteer bush regeneration program that has engaged with both locals and international visitors alike.
Local Links - Stronger Communities -
LLCI033-099
The issue
The coastline of the NSW Mid North Coast has been subject to historic sand mining and recreational pressures that pose an on-going threat to the significant environmental values of the region. The invasion of weeds such as Bitou Bush, Lantana, Senna, Coastal Morning Glory, and other weedy annuals and grasses is an on-going legacy from these impacts.
The solution
After discussing the idea of volunteer weeding between sets on the Crescent Head surf break a core group of the local community contacted Parks and Wildlife rangers to get involved in volunteer bush regeneration working bees being organised in the region.
The formation of the Crescent Head and Point Plomer Bush Care group provided the impetus to undertake regular working bees at Delicate Nobbys Campground and Picnic Area in May 2018. During the first year the group has consistently attracted 15-20 volunteers who have contributed approximately 472 hours of volunteer weed control and planted over 300 native and endemic seedlings in the Park.
The impact
The group has also made proactive steps to engage with local tourist service providers. The partnership developed with Waves Campground has been a special aspect of the project. The private run campground attracts young international visitors from all over the world, and leverages 10 to 15 volunteers to every working bee. This input of additional hands is making a significant contribution to the on-ground outcomes achieved by the group.
In return, the working bees offer a unique and positive environmental experience for these travelling volunteers. Likewise, the locals get to mingle with people from all over the world, from 10 different nations so far, to learn about and share their culture. It makes for some interesting conversations during working bees.
Monitoring programs undertaken by NPWS show a massive decline in the cover of Bitou Bush in the treated areas and an increase in plant diversity on in the dunes, especially of littoral rainforest species. The threatened vine plant Cynatham elegans located in one of their sites is now recovering after being almost out competed by infestations of Bitou Bush and other environmental weeds.
Key facts
- A dedicated core of locals provides the foundation for community action.
- Monthly working bees have attracted 15-20 volunteers every time.
- By engaging with local tourist service providers the group obtains on-ground support and promotes environmental volunteerism with an international flavour.