Volunteers revegetating the Berry Wildlife Corridor
By Katie Loughran 21 November 2024
On the first Sunday in November, volunteers came together to plant native trees, and shrubs in the Berry Wildlife Corridor, a beautiful area of land connecting the Cambewarra Range to the stunning Seven Mile Beach National Park. This area is not just a beautiful landscape; it plays a crucial role in preserving native habitats. The planting event aimed to enhance the ecological health of Coomonderry Swamp, the largest remaining coastal freshwater wetland in New South Wales.
Coomonderry Swamp is a haven for endangered species such as the Green and Golden Bell Frog and the Australasian Bittern, both of which depend on the healthy wetlands for their survival. As Kelvin Officer, vice chair of Berry Landcare, noted, “The event raises the profile of Coomonderry Wetland. It’s the largest semi-permanent freshwater coastal wetland in NSW... it is a bit of a jewel in the crown because it has three endangered species associated with it.”
The efforts to improve the habitat values of the swamp edge are essential, especially considering that much of the native vegetation was cleared away as far back as the nineteenth century. By planting native species, participants not only restore the landscape but also provide a better habitat for the wetland dependent species. Officer explained the broader vision, stating, “Our goal is to form a native habitat corridor between 7 Mile Beach National Park and some of the remnant forests that are further inland.”
This planting event was proudly organised by Berry Landcare in partnership with the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service. It was also part of the Berry Bush Links project funded by the NSW Environmental Trust. Revegetation of this section of wetland shoreline commenced in 2003 following the gifting of this land to the National Park as part of a subdivision approval.
Thirty-seven dedicated volunteers joined the event, working together to plant 275 native seedlings. The enthusiasm and commitment shown by everyone involved made a significant impact on the local environment. Officer highlighted the importance of these efforts, saying that unlike this site, “most of the Berry Corridor land we’re involved with is privately owned... it’s essential that the native habitats on the private land are managed and conserved to maintain a patchwork of native vegetation between the coast and the escarpment.”
Looking ahead, the Berry Landcare group plans to continue these restoration efforts, engaging more community members in the process. With a focus on education and collaboration, they aim to inspire future generations to protect and cherish the unique ecosystems of the region. Through events like this, they hope to cultivate a deeper appreciation for the local environment and its rich biodiversity.
A heartfelt congratulations goes out to all who participated in making this event a success! It’s important to remember that ‘every day is Tree Day’ and you can host an event whenever suits you or your landscape best.
Katie has a broad experience in non-profit program management and communications. Outside of work, she finds joy in gardening, cooking, and hiking. With a passion for animals and environmental conservation, she often spends her weekends volunteering at her local dog shelter and participating in beach clean-ups. Katie's goal is to see 30 million trees planted for National Tree Day.
