It was my pleasure to meet with years one and two from Parkes East Public School on Wednesday to talk to them about the environment. These Parkes East students have been studying a unit of work ‘Up, Down and All Around’ and we talked about what environment means and that we have many environments that we can be part of during the day.

We talked about the difference between a natural environment and the things that make up that environment, like plants, animals, insects and how kids can do their bit to ensure that our beautiful environment is maintained or improved. We also talked about things that are man-made and how we use our resources.

I was impressed by some of the fantastic opinions and the understanding that these young people have of the role that they can play in looking after our environment, regardless of what path they pursue. Speaking of our environment, the National Parks Association are holding their next walk at Nangar National Park. A gorgeous spot near Eugowra that is beautiful through all seasons. The walk will follow the Glen Echo Trail. Walkers meet at the Eugowra Rest Area at 9.15am. A medium, 6km walk lead by Martin Bell. Call  Martin the evening before the walk on 0429 346 586.

Have you been involved in the Aussie Backyard Bird Count before? If you haven’t, go and check it out online. The Bird Count will be held October 23-29 and is a chance for us to check out what birds we have in our local area and also provides data to one central place that monitors changes in the frequency of bird across Australia.

During the last count, over 1 million birds were counted by 61,418 people. This was made up of 576 different species, with the three most recorded species in NSW being the Rainbow Lorrikeet, Noisy Miner and Sulphur-crested Cockatoo.

The survey is a fun way to focus on birdlife for a week. We will be running a couple of kids bird walks in the lead up to the Bird Count week. More details next week.

CWLL and a Team of volunteers, along with the Skillset Green Army Team have done a considerable amount of work at Gum Swamp near Forbes. This is an important refuge for birds in our region, for both local and migratory birds.

If you have some spare time on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday mornings next week, we will be working to plant out the remainder of the area between 10am and 12pm each day. You will need rubber gloves and sturdy shoes, a hat and water. 

The water level at the Swamp has been reduced and will be refilled once we have completed our planting. Noogoora Burr seedlings will be making the most of the conditions soon, so we are keen to get in now and complete the work.

It is hoped that these plantings will out-grow weeds along the bank area and provide habitat and protection for birds. If you would like to join us, please contact me to confirm arrangements before heading out. Visit centralwestlachlanlandcare.org.