Ecology and Botany

Pink Wax Flower (Eriostemon australasius) in Awabakal Nature Reserve, Redhead, September 2007. This is one of over 200 native plant species preserved for posterity in this coastal reserve, thanks to the efforts of local enthusiasts, see Document 19 Botanising Awabak Banksia spinulosa, Awabakal National Park Lomandra longifolia in seed, Merewether headland October 2010 Coastal Wattle, Merewether Baths carpark, September 2010 Native plants flourishing at Merewether Baths carpark, 2010. From left to right in the photo: Coastal Rosemary (Westringia fruticosa), White Correa (Correa alba), and Dusky Coral Pea (Kennedia rubicunda) Coastal She-oak (Allocasuarina distyla, Merewether Headland, September 2010 Scaevola calendulacea (Beach Fan Flower), Merewether Beach, October 2008 (Photo courtesy of DEWHA)

Every area, be it large or small, rural or urban, has its distinctive ecology and botany.  This is particularly notable in Australia, where there can be major changes in plant species and growing conditions within a few kilometres or even a few metres. 

Our group started with little knowledge of native plants or coastal ecology.  Experts we consulted gave us little help.  Mostly we learned through experience. We cleared and planted; we had some successes and some failures.  We thought, talked, read and wrote about native plants and their restoration.  This knowledge has been integral to our success.

Some of our botanical learning is discussed in Ecology, Botany, Work and in the following articles:

Botanising Awakabal
This paper celebrates the work of the local people who in the 1960’s did the botanical work that persuaded the NSW government to create a national park at Redhead, just south of Merewether.

Title of steel hardly rings true any more
Newcastle is ringed by bush reserves, the legacy of its industrial history and enlightened community-government action.