What is “bush”? It is a common term for the original Australian plants and trees, the remnants of which are left in many Australian towns and cities. This “bush” is very important as a place for wildlife. It is also valued for Aboriginal culture and history. This care for country has been practised by Aboriginal communities in Australia for millennia. As the towns and cities grow, the bushland is shrinking and deteriorating. It needs care. Bushcare groups are community volunteers who meet regularly to care for the bushland in their areas.
Bushcare groups weed and regenerate bushland, plant trees, monitor water quality in urban waterways and monitor wildlife populations. Groups conduct community education about Aboriginal heritage and biodiversity for the wider community. These volunteer-led groups work to remove invasive plants that can threaten biodiversity in urban bushland.
An example of a Bushcare Group in southwest Sydney work to control invasive species in a gully that feeds storm water into a lagoon on the edge of the Georges River. In the Eastern suburbs of Sydney there are more than 10 Bushcare groups caring for diverse bushland plant associations. Along with Landcare groups, Bushcare groups welcome anyone interested in learning to care for country and volunteering to undertake this care.