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Bush regeneration:
nurturing the land that nurtures us
Teresa Nirta
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“Treat the earth well. It was not given to you by your parents. It was loaned to you by your children” (Native American proverb).

Julie-ann Bassinder escapes the hustle and bustle of city life and retreats back to nature for another day of removing weeds and restoring native bush. In this picture she is eradicating the noxious weed Turkey Rhubarb from Sophia Doyle Reserve. Turkey Rhubarb causes havoc in Australian bushlands, which is why bush regeneration groups spend a lot of time removing the weeds to ensure the survival and prosperity of native flora and fauna. Photo Tereas Nirta

With an ever-increasing number of reports on the impact of environmental destruction, the message to protect our land is increasingly resonating in humanity’s conscious, as a growing number of people are starting to participate in environmental conservation groups such as bush regeneration.

This wave of action is surpassing age, race and gender, as the mix of people who contribute their time to such groups is becoming as eclectic as an antique collection, which may very well be because volunteers are discovering the rewards of their effort.

Bush regeneration – the motivation
Bush regeneration involves local community volunteers clearing out weeds and other destructive elements from our bushlands to allow the bush to flourish. The volunteers’ motivation, although very different, has the same underlying and fundamental principle – nurture the land that nurtures us.

“I joined a local bush regeneration group to do what I can for the environment”, said Julie-ann Bassinder, a former corporate professional and now a young vibrant university student with aspirations to reform the United Nations. “It was the only way I knew I could make a positive change”.

Keith Pasley, a successful businessman and active community member, told of a slightly different motivation. After buying a block of land in Peakhurst, Sydney, and witnessing rubble and bamboo strangle native flora, Keith decided to act. He began cutting down the bamboo and was approached by Hurstville council to join the local bush regeneration group. “At that stage just keeping the bamboo under control was my motivation.”

It wasn’t until the bamboo was removed and the native flora and fauna returned that Keith found his true motivation – seeing the bush come back to life.

Bush regeneration – the reward
“Most rewarding for me is the wonderful surprises the animals give,” Julie-ann exclaims with widened eyes. “I’m always shocked when they venture so close. I’ve had a kookaburra perch within easy reach, watching to see if I uncovered any food while digging out weeds. I’m always delighted by nature’s little surprises.”

What Julie-ann notices most is how much she receives in return. “I thought I had joined bush regeneration to give to the environment, but instead I found it was I who was rewarded. Not only with fresh air and satisfaction of achievement, but with friendships and knowledge gained. On top of all of this I found a peaceful sanctuary to escape the hustle and bustle of a busy life.”

Keith is also grateful. “It’s rewarding to see weeds and invading species replaced by Australian bush. There’s nothing more enjoyable than a bush walk featuring native birds and animals.”

Participating in Bush regeneration groups
When asked why other people should join bush regeneration, the answers again had a fundamental similarity. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see that as a direct result of our group’s work the bush is transformed from a litter strewn place covered in weeds into a flourishing habitat of native birds and animals. We all have a responsibility to look after our land, and the great thing is the land nurtures us in return,” Julie-ann smiles.

Keith reaffirms Julie-ann’s conviction, “So little of the original bush is left these days as weeds and other species continue to invade. The Council can only do so much to look after the foreshore parks and without volunteers, bush regeneration would not occur. It’s fantastic to see the difference we make.”

So it seems humanity is hearing the message. As Oodjeroo Noonucacal (Kath Walker) eloquently states, “We cannot own the land. We are but custodians of the land”. It’s our role to look after her; fortunately she rewards us in return with her nurturing gifts.

There are many ways you can volunteer in your local national park, ranging from being a volunteer guide or camp host to helping with bush-regeneration or wildlife monitoring.

Check out the national parks web-site for volunteering opportunities in your park.

Volunteer dolphin watcher on
Zenith Beach, Port Stephens, NSW

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