Volunteers and NPWS plant seedlings in Meroo National Park

Media release: 7 April 2014

The Milton Rural Landcare Group intend to raise a total of 5000 seedlings for planting in Meroo National Park, and on Wednesday they and other volunteers helped plant hundreds in popular camping areas.

Further planting bees will be held later in autumn and in winter.

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Ranger Meghan Kempster said the group's hard work went to good use on Wednesday, with recent rains making ideal conditions for planting. The NSW Office of Environment and Heritage supports the community in efforts to protect, strengthen and enjoy local environments.

"Milton Rural Landcare has been growing seedlings from local seed for this project to regenerate areas that are heavily disturbed and degraded," Ms Kempster said.

"They have also made a generous commitment to help plant the seedlings, which enables NPWS to provide quality and sustainable bush camping opportunities in Meroo National Park.

"Regeneration improves visitors' experiences by providing a bushy, natural environment and it also combats erosion and other forms of land degradation.

"We will fence the seedlings initially so they are not trampled or eaten by kangaroos. Barriers will be removed in time, except where they are required for ongoing protection."

Ms Kempster thanked Milton Rural Landcare and the other volunteers for their invaluable support and assistance. Sybille Davidson from Milton Rural Landcare Inc said they were proud to support many worthy projects in the region.

"We are a not-for-profit community group run entirely by volunteers and we are the only Landcare group in the Shoalhaven growing native endemic plants using local seed," Ms Davidson said.

"Our nursery is located next to the Ulladulla Council Chambers in Deering Street, Ulladulla, and we sell seedlings to the public on Tuesdays and Wednesdays between 10am and 12:30pm.

"By providing plants to land holders, the Small Farms Network, the Catchment Management Authority, schools, churches and community organisations such as the Girl Guides and Bushcare, we work to boost local biodiversity."

Milton Rural Landcare Inc aims to help revegetate and regenerate farm land, riparian zones, and fragile coastal areas, and to encourage people to plant native endemic plants.

Photos for news media:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/nswnationalparks/sets/72157643553780084/

Contact: Lucy Morrell