Part of a five hectare Habitat Restoration Project, Landcare are working in collaboration with the Port Macquarie- Hastings Council, over 35 volunteers and council workers were out bright and early planting over 100 native seedlings, that over the next five years will transform the space into a Subtropical Lowlands Rainforest.

Landcare Project Manager Estelle Gough said it was down to the volunteers who made the endeavour possible.

“During the reconstruction, we had to strip the ground back to rid the area of pests and weeds so that when we planted the native plants they had a chance,” Mrs Gough said.

“It is very important work to restore the ecosystem, but we are looking at a long process; in three years the trees will be about the height of a person, and in five years they will form a canopy enclosing the area,” she said.

“The whole project though, would not have been possible without help from council; the whole project has been a seamless partnership, for which we are grateful.” 

Natural Resources Officer at Port Macquarie -Hastings Council Thor Aaso said the collaboration with Landcare has been instrumental in the project.

“Council in isolation was not going to be able to start this project, due to the labour intensive nature of the project, but with Landcare able to access a significant grant of $250,000 over six years, together we were able to do this,” Mr Aaso said.

“Protecting habitat corridors, such as this one at Wright’s Creek, is so critical for the safe movement of animals, and when you see what we have achieved here it really is a pleasure to live in a place like Port Macquarie,” he said.

Landcare are always looking for more volunteers, and Project Manager Estelle Gough said any help is much appreciated.

“There comes great satisfaction after completing a project knowing you are helping out the environment and we are always looking for people to come and help us, so please get in touch if you are wanting to help,” she said.