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Braeside bushcare

Blackheath area in Blue Mountains National Park

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Overview

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If you like gardening and weeding with a purpose, this volunteer activity is for you. Over the last 20 years, Braeside bushcare volunteers have made a real and positive impact on Braeside Upland Swamp in Blue Mountains National Park, near Blackheath.

Work
Bush regeneration, weed and pest management
When
4th Sunday of the month (except December) and 3rd Friday of the month year round, 9am–1pm
Where
Blackheath area in Blue Mountains National Park in Sydney and surrounds, Country NSW
Accessibility
No wheelchair access
Grade
Medium. Requires range of fitness levels, but suitable for adults and teens (16 years and over) with minimum fitness. Most access into work area is off-track, along creeklines and through swamp.
Join up

Help restore Braeside Upland Swamp’s natural qualities and stop weeds invading further into this special area. You'll play an important role in restoring the swamp’s incredible environment.

You’ll learn about the unique aspects of Blue Mountains Upland Swamp (an Ecological Endangered Community), and about bush regeneration in the Braeside section, near Blackheath. The swamp is home to at least 2 threatened species in Blue Mountains World Heritage Area: the giant dragon fly and the Blue Mountains water skink.

When Braeside bushcare began volunteer weeding in the early 1990s, Braeside Upland Swamp was invaded by gorse and other noxious weeds (such as broom and blackberry). Today, we’re treating small pockets of weeds and have restored 8 per cent of the swamp back to its natural state.

No specific skills necessary, you'll be trained and supervised throughout. You’ll meet new people from the local community, while learning about and treating noxious and environmental weeds. This is a great opportunity to join a long-term bushcare group that meets regularly to make a vital contribution.

Bring a day pack, personal first aid kit if needed, gum boots if working in the creek and thermos (tea/coffee).

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

 

Volunteer for bushfire recovery

Following this season's unprecedented bushfires, you can register your interest to help the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and the Saving our Species program rehabilitate and protect our threatened animals and plants.

Volunteers planting in Tomaree National Park. Photo: John Spencer/DPIE

 

Saving Our Species program

Australia is home to more than 500,000 animal and plant species, many of which are found nowhere else in the world. Saving our Species is a statewide conservation program that addresses the growing number of Australian animals and Australian native plants facing extinction.

Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) in a tree. Photo: Courtesy of Taronga Zoo/OEH
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Park info

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