Weddin Wattle Trails and Field Guide
In 2024-2025 Weddin Landcare developed the Weddin Wattle Trails – a series of self-drive routes in the Weddin Shire that showcase the many, varied species of wattle in the local district.
Self sustenance - LEP23-005-Weddin-02_LLC_010
The issue
Wattles have been celebrated in the Weddin Shire through annual Wattle Day events since 2010.
Over the years, these events have educated and inspired hundreds of participants. Still, Weddin Landcare wanted to do more to promote our local wattles, especially the diversity of our local species, their amazing qualities and benefits for both our natural and agricultural landscape as well as the critical need to conserve and enhance the small remnants we have left.
The solution
The idea of a field guide on local wattles has been on the ‘wish list’ for members of Weddin Landcare for quite a few years now. Following the success of the bird trails and canola trails in the Weddin Shire, it seemed logical we should also have some wattle trails!
With the employment of two part-time Landcare Coordinators and the enthusiasm of volunteers, Weddin Landcare saw the opportunity to pursue the dream.
Local Landcare Coordinator, Claire Diprose, and Mikla Lewis, a volunteer for Weddin Landcare, took up the challenge and for over a year they developed the field guide and trails – locating, mapping and describing the thirty-three species of wattle that occur locally in Weddin Shire.
The NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust contributed generous funding to cover the printing of the guidebook and the launch event, including a guided bus trip with two of the new Wattle Trails.
The impact
The official launch event, held on Friday, 22nd August 2025, drew a crowd of over 60 people, including local dignitaries, biodiversity experts, and passionate community members.
Melanie Cooper, Local Landcare Coordinator, introduced the project. Weddin Shire Mayor, Paul Best, and Regional Manager for the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust, Glenn Harpley, also addressed the crowd, indicating their support for the initiative and noting the benefits to both the natural environment and local tourism. The event also featured a keynote address from Dr. Suzette Searle, President of the Wattle Day Association Inc.
Weddin Wattles – A Local Guide, which is available for purchase at the Grenfell Visitor Information Centre and the Weddin Community Native Nursery for just $10, supports future Weddin Landcare initiatives.
Key facts
- Showcased the amazing qualities and benefits of wattles as well as the critical need to conserve and enhance the small remnants we have left.
- Over 60 people attended the launch event.
- A huge community and volunteer effort made the project possible.