Orchids bloom at Burrawang

Four different kinds of orchids have been in flower at the same time at Burrawang Reserve, Woy Woy, over the past month.

They were a green hooded orchid, a sun orchid, a lady fingers orchid and a bearded orchid.

Burrawang Bushcare convenor Mr Mark Snell said that it was unusual to have so many different orchids in flower in the reserve at the same time.

"Three of the four orchids have been seen at the reserve before, but this is the first year our bushcare group has noticed the bearded orchid," he said.

Mr Snell said that the bearded orchid brought to seven the number of orchids identified at the reserve.

The other three were the hyacinth orchid, the pixie orchid and a different variety of sun orchid.

Seeing four of the orchids in bloom at once, in such a relatively small area, was one of the rewards the group gained from its bushcare work, he said.

"The orchids don't flower every year, and having four in bloom at once is quite special."

Mr Snell said that the reserve was also special because a large part of it had been recognised as Umina Coastal Sandplain Woodland, an endangered ecological community under the Threatened Species Act.

On a recent tour of the reserve, senior staff from the biodiversity conservation unit of the Department of Environment and Conservation had commented on the diversity of species at the reserve, Mr Snell said.

He said that, after five years, the bushcare group had successfully removed most of the weeds within the reserve, with major weed infestations only remaining along the Hillview St boundary and the northern drainage channel.

He said that the group's activities were directed at removing weeds and other threats to the natural bush in the reserve.

While much of the group's activity was taken in removing weeds, it had also taken other action to reduce other threats, for example to reduce rubbish dumping and damage from heavy vehicles.

He said a current major threat was the illegal use of trail bikes in the reserve.

"Trail bikes can do a great deal of damage very quickly," Mr Snell said.

He said the group was seeking the help of the public in reporting trail bike riding in the reserve to local police on 4379 7399 as it was happening.

The group, which met once a month, was also wanting more members.

He said training, supervision and tools were all provided under Gosford Council's bushcare program.

For further information, contact the group on 4342 5333 or 4341 9301.

Press release, October 12 Mark Snell, Burrawang Bushcare