The event was organised by the Paterson Allyn Williams Science and Ideas Hub and the Hunter Region Landcare Network as part of a “Rainforest Conversations Series”.

Advertise with News of The Area today.
It’s worth it for your business.
Message us.
Phone us – (02) 4981 8882.
Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au

Peter Wilson from the Maitland area spoke first about the region’s dry rainforests.

He explained that the landscape has been so drastically changed by European settlement that it is difficult to work out what species featured in the original vegetation.

Peter used pictures and maps to show the distribution of Hunter region rainforests, and areas where there used to be extensive floodplain rainforests, for example in the Morpeth, Maitland, Largs and Bolwarra districts.

According to Peter, rejuvenating local rainforests presents several challenges, apart from learning what the original forests were like, including managing the impacts of increased salinity and global warming.

The event’s next two speakers focused on rainforest areas within the Dungog Shire.

Jane Richens described the rainforest area at the top end of Tabbil Creek that she and her partner, Brian, bought about 25 years ago.

The couple have about 680 acres, including over 200 acres of dry rainforest, much of which is in steep gullies.

On a journey to better understand and care for their flora and fauna, the pair are trying various interventions for weed control, highlighting a particular battle with lantana.

Jane is keeping a record of many aspects of the natural environment, including recording bird sounds.

Another speaker, Penny Kater, explained that about 50 years ago there were only small patches of rainforest left around Gresford, after much forest had been destroyed by development, fire and agriculture.

She also spoke about the establishment and ongoing success of the Gresford Arboretum.

The next speaker was Rye Gollan, the Regional Conservation Officer of the Biodiversity Conservation Trust of the NSW Government.

Mr Gollan spoke to the opportunities for conservation on private land.

He said multiple grants have been made available for suitable projects which encourage conservation management.

Typical agreements include things like areas for wildlife conservation, establishment of continuous habitats and biodiversity stewardship.

Mr Gollan said the Trust is also looking to buy properties, set up agreements, and resell as suitable conservation properties.

The afternoon finished with Dr Bill McDonald discussing the rainforests of northern NSW.

Dr McDonald described a range of different rainforest types, with an explanation of the climatic conditions and varying vegetation in each.

On Sunday, 15 people undertook an informative walk through a local rainforest with Dr McDonald.

They viewed the forest from several vantage points – directly into the canopy from a high point in the landscape, across multiple gullies and a longer walk in the forest.

By Ruth DIRCKS