'Friends of Strickland' community group, central coast

Based on the NSW central coast, the 'Friends of Strickland' community group is always on the lookout for active new members.

Tackling lantana as part of the revegetation of Stoney Creek being undertaken by the 'Friends of Strickland'.

Formed in 1998, the group attracts local people with an interest in nature conservation and protecting rare and endangered local plant and wildlife species.

The group works on projects in the small but scenic Strickland State Forest, near Narara - about 10 minutes drive from Gosford.

Major projects currently underway include the revegetation of a section of a creek flowing through the forest that's under threat from a number of environmental weeds, including lantana. The weeds have the potential to choke out rare plant species and severely impact on habitat quality for wildlife.

A second project involves the construction of a circuit walking trail to Strickland Falls. All of the trail work is being done by hand, with volunteers learning skills and gaining experience in the art of walking trail construction.

Although it is less than five square kilometres in size, and despite bordering the F3 freeway and being in close proximity to a major city like Gosford, Strickland State Forest contains an outstanding diversity of native plants and wildlife.

One member of the 'Friends' group has uncovered 60 orchid species in the forest. Strickland is also home to at least three rare and theatened plant species and four threatened wildlife species.

The group was thrilled to discover a lyrebird nesting in their revegetation area in winter 2002, and watched eagerly as the chick was successfully reared.

Since its formation, the group has made a number of important achievements, including stamping out illegal activities such as rubbish dumping and vandalism in the forest, and making the forest a clean and safe place to visit.

With approximately 20 members, including families, neighbours, school teachers, students and State Forests own staff, the group is enthusiastic about the potential of Strickland and the importance of the forest's flora and fauna populations.

It is also a social group - a great way to meet people and a good opportunity for secondary and tertiary students to gain valuable work-experience.