Sharkey’s Bushcare needs you!

Mark Fetterplace introduces a new group who meet in Coledale on Tuesdays.

We are a new Bushcare group at Sharkey’s Beach. This is a large site that contains many local native plants and of course many introduced weeds. Having no natural predators, the weeds tend to take over and don’t provide very good habitat for native birds and animals. It’s our mission to remove them and plant local native species.

This site is a coastal cliff and headland area that consists of three main vegetation communities:

* Coastal Headland Banksia Scrub

* Rainforest Gullies

* Themeda Grassland on Seacliffs and Coastal Headlands (Endangered Ecological Community)

Works undertaken at the site by both volunteers and also contractors are restoring the integrity of the native vegetation communities.

Some common weeds we have to deal with include Morning Glory, Asparagus Fern, Panic Veldt Grass, Turkey Rhubarb, Moth Vine, Madeira Vine, and Balloon Vine.

Many of these weeds are in our gardens and spread to bushland, so it’s a big help if we first control these weeds in our own gardens.

One of the benefits of doing bushcare is that you learn what are problem weeds at home and learn the skills to deal with them.

Another benefit is that you may have a pleasant surprise and find out something is NOT a weed.

If you are interested in joining our group, you would be most welcome. Come and get the satisfaction of doing a lot of good nurturing this important coastal habitat. Perhaps we could use your expertise and learn from you too.

We meet on Tuesdays at the bus stop above Sharkey’s Beach come rain, hail or shine. Actually, no, not the rain and hail times. There’s no need to commit to every week, we will be grateful for any help you can give.

Please call Mark Fetterplace, 0407 412 360.