The Port Macquarie resident, a retired biologist, volunteers with Friends of Kooloonbung Creek Nature Park, Port Macquarie Landcare and Hastings Birdwatchers.

The climate lured Les to the area in early 2018.

He investigated volunteer opportunities to put his expertise to use in the bushcare field and the rest is history.

"I do care a lot about bushland and about plants and animals that inhabit those areas," Les said.

He said it was important for bushland to be well managed and maintained to help mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Friends of Kooloonbung Creek Nature Park welcomes new volunteers.

The group gathers for regular working bees.

Read more:

Les described Kooloonbung Creek Nature Park as a superb reserve right in the middle of Port Macquarie.

The area is home to 52 hectares of bushland, seven ecosystems and more than four kilometres of walking tracks.

Features include mangroves, casuarina swamp forest, flying fox colony, subtropical rainforest and bloodwood open forest.

Les said he enjoyed being able to help maintain the biological diversity.

"The other great thing is working with like-minded people," he said.

Les said new volunteers would work in a wonderful environment, surrounded by a really good bunch of people.

Satisfaction also stems from helping to protect the environment.

"It provides a wonderful and very easy opportunity for people to experience some of the best aspects of our natural world," Les said.

Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer with Friends of Kooloonbung Creek Nature Park should go to the group's Facebook page for details and contact coordinator Rex Moir.

What else is making news, sport?

Thank you for valuing local journalism with your subscription. While you're with us, you can also receive updates straight to your inbox from the Port Macquarie News. To make sure you're up to date with all the news, sign up here.