Services for Bushland Management
The National Trust offers expertise in a wide range of services.
Site Specific Management Plans
Planning & implementation of appropriate integrated weed management strategies to achieve successful long-term results.
Knowledge and use of appropriate regeneration methods to achieve maximum possible regeneration on a site.
Weed Treatment
Bitou bush removal from Sydney Freshwater Wetlands at Kurnell
Methods of weed removal are based on the methods demonstrated in the National Trust’s Bush Regenerators' Handbook (1999).
Biactive Glyphosate 360 is the herbicide most commonly used for spot and edge spraying, frilling, scrape and paint, cut and paint methods. Other herbicides may be used for specific purposes following consent from the landowner.
Ecological burns may be planned where appropriate to control weeds and promote regeneration.
Restoration of Sydney Coastal RiverFlatForest in Western Sydney BEFORE
Restoration of Sydney Coastal RiverFlatForest in Western Sydney AFTER
Control of persistent
weeds using Jute matt
Overseeing remediation work to restore Sydney Freshwater Wetlands after the
collapse of a dam wall 2006
Management of the Impacts of Soil Erosion & Sedimentation
Soft solutions for drainage problems, including construction of small silt basins and energy dissipaters.
Post Fire Regeneration
Post-fire regeneration has been carried out after extensive burns at Blue Gum Forest, Westleigh; Tunks Park, Cammeray; Lane Cove National Park; Cedar Street, Lugarno and Jamieson Park, Narrabeen.
Habitat Conservation
Bushland restoration strategies are planned with consideration to retention or provision of habitat for fauna. Exotic flora species that provide habitat for native fauna are not removed until suitable habitat is restored in adjacent areas.
Projects that have required special attention to the fauna of the area have included.
- Eve Street Wetlands, Arncliffe and Botany Wetlands (migratory birds, Green and Golden Bell Frog)
- Fred Hollows Reserve, Randwick (the Glebe Gully Skink)
- Cabramatta Creek Bat Colony, Cabramatta (Flying Foxes)
- Menangle Creek (Wombat)
- Rouse Hill Development Area, Cumberland Land Snail
- Gray’s Point, Beetle (Mennipus fugitivus)
Drainage Works
The National Trust has completed small drainage works e.g. construction of stilling ponds, rock lined channels and small wetlands at Gordon Falls (Leura) and Karen Court (Castle Hill).
Other methods to mitigate the impacts of stormwater, e.g. installation of sand bags to stabilise undercutting creek banks and grass swales have also been carried out. Special erosion control measures have been part of many of these projects, e.g. matting the creek bank for restoration works along Prospect Creek (Cabramatta).
Track Construction
The National Trust of Australia (NSW) has undertaken track construction at the Field of Mars (Ryde), Vineyard Creek (Parramatta) and Deanei Forest (Springwood). The aim was to create a natural appearance using sandstone and crushed sandstone as appropriate. Footbridges and seats have also been constructed.
Revegetation
Revegetation project, Sydney Eastern Suburbs
Planning and implementation of buffer and corridor planting using indigenous species. Reconstruction of “natural areas” e.g. reinstatement of creekline vegetation.
Revegetation projects have been carried out in a variety of sites including Rookwood Necropolis; Trenerry Reserve (Coogee); Upper Prospect Creek and De Freitas Wetland (Cabramatta); Botany Wetlands; Eve Street Wetlands (Arncliffe); Elm Place (Rydalmere), Greystanes Creek (Toongabbie) and at Girrahween Park (Earlwood).
The National Trust provides a seed collection service. Seed is collected according to FloraBank guidelines and according to provenance requirements of project specifications.
Bush Regeneration Training
The National Trust provides workshops and training courses for community volunteers working with local councils. Recent workshops and courses have been provided for North Sydney Council, Waverley Council, Randwick Council, Werrington Landcare Group.
Supervision of Volunteer Groups
The National Trust supervises a number of community “Bushcare” Groups. Recent supervision includes groups for Randwick, Waverley, Pittwater, Gosford Councils and at Blackwood Sanctuary (a National Trust property in Beecroft containing Blue Gum High Forest).
Surveys
Bushland surveys: vegetation mapping, species surveys, quadrat establishment & monitoring.
Management Plans for Bushland Areas
Preparation of management plans for Bushland areas, assembling information from liaison with relevant stakeholders (landowners, conservation agencies, government departments etc) surveys and assessment of bushland. The plans comply with the principals of the Australian Natural Heritage Charter and requirements of relevant legislation. A Bushland Management Plan was recently prepared for Canterbury City Council.
Other Expertise
The National Trust can provide advice in fields such as archaeology, cemeteries and items of historical significance.
