A generous donation of $1800 from Holiday Coast Credit Union meant 1300 trees, shrubs and palms could be planted at the Candelo Close reserve near Hastings Public School on Braemar Drive.

Mayor Peter Besseling said the council supported and promoted the protection and restoration of bushland reserves through community partnerships with Landcare and other conservation and community groups.

Residents were invited to assist with the planting from 9am until noon and share in the family barbecue which followed.

The site was cleared of weeds and mulch laid in preparation for the event.

The area to be planted is part of a large regeneration project that encompasses Wrights and Yarranabee creeks.

Port Macquarie Landcare Group president Estelle Gough said she is eager to see families and individuals plant for the future.

“It’s so easy - it is just a matter of taking a plant out of a pot and putting it in the ground.”

“In addition to attending our local community event, residents can also plant trees in their own back yards, courtyard gardens, balconies or green spaces,” Cr Besseling said.

Port Macquarie Koala Hospital supervisor Cheyne Flannagan said the importance of the regeneration project would have far-reaching benefits for the future our wildlife.

“Weed infested areas are dangerous for animals like koalas and possums because they get caught in the lantana and die,” Ms Flanagan said.

“Landcare do a great job because healthy native vegetation means healthy wildlife.”