On Saturday 21st September 2024, Greater Sydney Landcareβs Creating Canopies team was excited to return to Bilpin Springs Farm. (We last held a planting on the property in October 2023, installing 1,500 native trees and shrubs thanks to 20 volunteers.)
Owner and farmer Ned Long was keen to plant more trees on his land, so around 20 volunteers joined us in 2024 to plant 600 native trees and shrubs on the property. The species included Lilly Pilly, gum trees (Eucalypts), paperbark (Melaleuca), she-oaks (Allocasuarina), hop bush (Dodonaea), wattles (Acacias) and bottlebrush (Callistemon).Β
The layout was a little different to our usual plantings, as Ned was keen to create contour plantings to slow downhill water flow and encourage water infiltration into the soil. Contour farming helps prevent soil erosion and nutrient leaching.Β
Ned had also saved up numerous cardboard boxes, and led the volunteers in upcycling these into weed mats to protect the newly planted seedlings.
Madeleine Florin, the Natural Capital Advisor at Greater Sydney Local Land Services, also joined the day to talk to attendees about βNatural Capitalβ.
Madeleine spoke about:
- What is natural capital, and why pay attention?
- What support is available for land managers to navigate natural capital opportunities?
- How has Ned invested in the natural capital on his farm.
- The production and environmental benefits that Ned experiences as a result.
Attendees also enjoyed a paddock walk led by Ned to illustrate the principles of natural capital in action.
Ned, who is also a chef, prepared a delicious lunch of antipasti, focaccia, and salad fresh from the farm for all.Β Β
Creating Canopies Project Manager Danielle Packer led the planting portion of the day. Project Officer Alicia Harb-Akins also took part in the day with friends, keen to hear all about natural capital.
Thank you to all involved, particularly Ned, Madeleine and our volunteers, for making another fantastic planting and environmental education day happen at Bilpin Springs Farm.
Volunteer for Bushcare in the Hawkesbury
If youβd like to contribute to environmental efforts in the Hawkesbury LGA, you can become a Bushcare volunteer and regenerate bushland. No experience is necessary as training is provided.
Get Involved in Creating Canopies
If youβd like to find out how to get free trees planted on your land, visit our Register Your Site for Trees page.
Come along and plant trees with Creating Canopies. Find out what events we have coming up on Greater Sydney Landcareβs Eventbrite page.
Find out more about Corporate Volunteering with Greater Sydney Landcare here. Be sure to download our Corporate Volunteering Info Pack.
About Creating Canopies
Landcare NSW and Greater Sydney Landcare are planting 200,000 trees as part of the Greening our City program to help reduce urban heat in Greater Sydney. Proudly funded by the NSW Government.
