There is no denying trees play an important role in enhancing local character, increasing biodiversity by serving as a home for animals and birds, improving air quality and making the places we live and work greener, cooler, and more connected.
More than 2000 native trees, 2000 shrubs and 2000 ground cover will soon be greening spaces on the Northern Beaches thanks to the NSW Government’s Greening our City initiative.
In partnership with the NSW Department of Planning and Environment, Northern Beaches Council was one of 17 Greater Sydney councils chosen to receive a $97k grant.
Flora and Ritchie Roberts Reserve at Curl Curl and the dunes near the start of Mona Vale Headland are the locations selected for the native plant roll out.
Over 30 different native species of flora from the local area will be planted to provide much needed food and habitat for native animals and shade for pedestrians and park users.
The tree species include swamp mahogany (Eucalyptus robusta), coastal banksia (Banksia integrifolia) and snow-in-summer paperbark (Melaleuca linariifolia). Swamp mahoganies provide nectar when they flower in winter, for migrating threatened species such as the swift parrot and the regent honeyeater.
Thick growing spikey shrubs, such as coastal rosemary (Westringia fruticosa), coast beard-heath (Leucopogon parviflorus) and dagger hakea (Hakea teretifolia) will provide protective nesting areas for small wrens, while groundcovers, like native violets (Viola hederacea), will hide small frogs and reptiles.
During the past couple of months staff and Bushcare volunteers have been hard at work removing tonnes of tenacious weed species like lantana that previous overrun both locations.
However, council and volunteers are continuing to work to ensure all weeds on site have been controlled before more trees are planted. The community will be invited to plant more trees in March 2024.
