More than 20 volunteers joined Hastings Landcare and local landholders on National Tree Day, planting over 300 native trees to restore habitat, boost biodiversity and create a vital wildlife corridor.
The planting took place on private land that was once a cleared paddock but is now well on its way to becoming a thriving forest.
Hastings Landcare representative Stephen Allwood explained that the landholders were first encouraged to step back and see what nature could achieve on its own.
“We recommended the landholders leave the land and see what naturally grows first,” he said.
“The ground cover was dominated by beautiful kangaroo grass, and we could see evidence that new trees were germinating naturally.”
Over the past two years the area has regenerated naturally with more than 1000 trees establishing themselves.
The Tree Day activity was focused on filling in the gaps where natural regeneration had not occurred.
Volunteers planted a mix of native species including Grey Gum, Brush Box, Tallowwood, Wattles and Forest Oak.
These plantings will complement the natural regrowth, providing shelter and food for local wildlife in years to come.
“I loved being out on the acreage in the morning, planting native trees, having a laugh as we worked and celebrating the last tree going into the ground,” said Ellen Ward, one of the participants.
“We met other Landcarers and even got to pat the horses over the fence in the neighbour’s yard. But the best part of tree planting is always the barby afterwards.
“Great food combined with that feeling of doing something good for the environment.”
The project highlights the unique opportunity private landholders have to leave a lasting legacy by regenerating native bushland.
It also shows how small-scale efforts can help counteract the broader issue of land clearing, with the latest NSW data showing more than 66,000 hectares of native vegetation were cleared in 2023.
Hastings Landcare President Peter Fitzroy said the organisation is proud to support the local community in environmental initiatives.
“Hastings Landcare works to support people caring for the environment, farmland and natural resources of our region,” he said.
“We support Landcare groups, rural landholders and the wider Hastings community, and we work to the philosophy that Landcare is for everyone and open to everyone.”
Hastings Landcare encourages anyone interested in volunteering or regenerating bushland on their property to get in touch.
By Luke HADFIELD
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