Warringah's 'Friends of the Bush' Volunteer Program

Page Updated: September 25, 2008

Angophore white mahogany forest Friends of the Bush volunteer

Bloodwood scribbly gum

Warringah's Friends of the Bush (FOTB) was formed in 1991 and has achieved a lot to preserve our natural environment. Volunteers rehabilitate our nature reserves from a weed infested state back to healthy bushland. There are over 300 volunteers who work at 51 different sites throughout Warringah. Most bushcare groups work at set times once a month for around two hours as this yields the best results.

FOTB is a successful partnership between the community and Warringah Council. Council provides assistance to its bush volunteers through training, tools and on-site help. They learn the essentials of bush regeneration, such as:

Working Safely

- Safe Work Method Statements (PDF, 256KB)

- Roundup Biactive Safety Data Sheet (PDF, 53KB)

- Roundup Biactive Safety Instructions (PDF, 455KB)

Revegetation
Planting Techniques
Planning where to Plant Seedlings
Preparing Pile Burns
The Latest Bushcare News

Anyone can become a volunteer

There is no age limit to volunteering - and it's a lot of fun! Anyone can become a Friends of the Bush volunteer. There is no age limit and there are activities to suit all levels of participation. To become a volunteer, all you need to do is attend a two-and-a-half-hour training session for new members. Click here to find out

How to Get Started (PDF, 22KB). Also, click on the Volunteer Code of Practice (PDF, 196KB) to find out how the Friends of the Bush program is run and EEO (PDF, 492KB) for our Equal Employment Opportunity policy. To become involved call 9942 2439.

The management of the Friends of the Bush program reflects this co-operative partnership with the community through a special annual volunteer forum. The forum invites frank discussion and comment on the performance of the program. Issues raised are evaluated and discussed by a representative working group of volunteers and staff which meets four times a year. Click on the link to review the minutes of the last meeting.

FOTB photo gallery

FOTB provides a platform for friendships to be formed between volunteers. It is also a lot of fun. To see for yourself, click on the photo gallery link. If you are a FOTB volunteer and have a photo you would like to share, email casimj@warringah.nsw.gov.au

Revegetation

local indigenous species planted to help bush regeneration Revegetation is the re-establishment of vegetation by planting nursery grown plants instead of waiting for natural germination to occur. Revegetation is used when little or no native regeneration is likely. Nursery grown plants used by FOTB are local indigenous species supplied by Council. These are well-adapted to their surroundings and provide suitable food and habitat for native fauna.

Step-by-Step Planting Guide

1. Select trees and shrubs that are well suited to the conditions of the site, such as soil type, drainage, and sunlight.

2. Dig a hole two to three times as wide as the container and at least as deep as this will encourage horizontal root growth that trees and shrubs naturally produce.

3. Pour at least one litre of water into the empty hole before planting the seedling.

4. Plant seedlings at least 10cm (4 inches) below the soil level to permit effective watering.

5. Backfill the hole with some of the existing soil and carefully water thoroughly again. The water will settle the soil as it soaks in so there is no need to compress the soil.

6. Cover any exposed root ball tops with a thin layer of soil.

7. Tree guards and bamboo stakes are not essential and can have disadvantages as they may attract vandals, make the plant weak, or 'cook' the plants on hot days. However, they do keep back weed growth, protect against harsh climatic conditions, and prevent grazing by feral rabbits.

After Planting Care

An example of a tree guard

1. Lay at least 6cm (2-3 inches) of mulch around plant keeping it away from the stem or trunk. Use organic mulches (leaf mulch) or inorganic mulches (river rocks). Mulch isn't necessary for groundcovers.

2. Don’t use black plastic or landscape fabrics beneath mulch around trees or shrubs as they block air and water exchange.

An example of a tree guard left on too long.

3. For protection against animal or equipment (eg. ‘ring-barking’ from brush cutters), erect guards that protect the trunk. Ensure the guards are loose-fitting and permit air circulation. Don't leave on too long as the stem might become weak and/or dependent on it.

4. Good follow-up watering will help to promote root growth. The amount and length of time between This tree has become weak from being staked. watering will depend on weather conditions.

5. Only stake trees with large crowns, that are situated on windy sites, or where people may push them over. Stake for a maximum of one year and allow some movement rather than holding them rigidly in place.

Planning your Planting

Before planting your seedling, determine the height and canopy of tree when fully grown. Avoid planting too close to buildings or in-ground pools, and don’t plant large trees close together. Allow room for root growth (at least twice the height of the tree). Large trees should be planted at least three metres from buildings.

Check with Council when planting on nature strips, under wires or over drainage lines. Determine the size of the tree when mature and the size and nature of its root system.

Consider neighbours when choosing plants, such as the effect it will have on neighbouring properties, ie. shading, loss of views, impact on foundations, fences and services. And before planting, carefully consider the location of trees and shrubs to be planted to minimise future problems.

Pile Burns

Drip torch lights the burn pile

Pile burns are a small scale way of utilising fire to stimulate the natural regeneration of bushland.

Fire has been an important element in Australia’s natural environment for millennia. It has helped shape the vegetation in our region and is critical for some species to maintain a presence in an area. Without fire these species may disappear from the bush completely.

In Warringah it is sometimes possible to burn weed piles on bushcare sites if conditions are favourable. Weather conditions need to be appropriate prior to and during the burn to ensure that the material burns properly and can be managed safely. Burn piles must be correctly constructed of appropriate materials. Burning building waste or other rubbish is not an appropriate activity for bushland.

Because of the risks associated with fire in bushland, it is necessary that any potential pile burns are assessed and managed by people with the appropriate skills and knowledge. In this case Council staff and the local Rural Fire Service must be involved with any burns conducted on bushcare sites.

Rural Fire Service and Warringah Council staff resources are in high demand during the fire season, and fuel reduction and asset protection burns will always take precedence over ecological burning. This high demand, combined with the need for favourable conditions, might mean that not all piles listed by FOTB are able to be burnt every year.

IMPORTANT: Bushcare volunteers should consult the Environment Officer (Community Projects) on 9942 2439 prior to the construction of any weed piles intended for burning.

For more information on burn piles click on Rural Fire Service, or for more specific Rural Fire Service burn pile information (PDF, 419KB).