February
2nd February
Ku-ring-gai has two important wetland endangered ecological communities which are important natural features within our catchments. Estuarine Saltmarsh sitting above the high tide mark in coastal margins.
Ku-ring-gai Local Government Area in New South Wales has two important wetland ecological communities:
Coastal Upland Swamp: Located higher in the catchment on poorly drained sandstone plateaus
Estuarine Saltmarsh: Located above the high tide mark in coastal margins
Coastal Upland Swamp features tall scrub, closed heath, sedgeland and fernland in moist soil. Plant species such as Swamp Banksia, Christmas Bells and Woolly-tea Tree thrive in this environment, however, it has been threatened by climate change, fire, land clearing and unauthorised traffic. Coastal Upland Swamp fact sheet(PDF, 510KB)
Local wildlife
These swamps provide important habitat for a wide variety of birds, mammals, amphibians and invertebrates. Species found locally include the Swamp Wallaby, Brown Antechinus, Grey Fantail, New Holland Honeyeater and Red-crowned Toadlet.
What can you do?
There’s lots you can do to help preserve Coastal Upland Swamp:
- Start a Bushcare group. Call 9424 0811 or email bushcare@krg.nsw.gov.au if you’re interested.
- Report any fox sightings to us.
- Keep your pets under control and never let them wander in bushland.
- Never dump rubbish in bushland – penalties apply.
If you live near the forest, there’s even more you can do to help preserve it:
If you’re using greywater in your garden, use low phosphorus detergents.
Plant some of the forest’s native species, such as Woolly-tea Tree, Red Spider Flower and Scented Paperbark, in your garden. This will help attract birds, mammals and butterflies.
Remove weeds from your own garden to stop them spreading into the swamp.
https://www.krg.nsw.gov.au/Environment/Your-local-environment/Bushland/Ecological-communities/Coastal-Upland-Swamp