A determined and cheerful group of volunteers braved a chilly, damp morning in Binalong to get hundreds of native plants in the ground as part of the Bowning Bookham Landcare Group’s Habitat Hops project. The planting took place on Chris and Gina Grubb’s property, ‘Billabong’, where they are working to restore and reconnect habitat across the farm.
Volunteers came from far and wide—Bungendore, Canberra, Yass, Binalong, and of course, Bowning and Bookham—united by a shared vision for healthy landscapes and thriving biodiversity. Despite the weather, spirits were high, and the teamwork was inspiring.
Before picking up the pottiputkis and tree guards, the group gathered around a large map of the property as Chris and Gina shared their plans. This particular planting aimed to connect two remnant stands of Blakely’s Red Gum and link nearby farm dams with corridors of native vegetation. These habitat links are essential for birdlife, providing food, shelter, and nesting sites.
A diverse mix of plants was selected, tailored to the site’s lower slopes and flats. Flowering species like acacias and callistemons will provide rich foraging for birds and insects. Dense and spiky shrubs such as Acacia paradoxa and needle-leaf hakeas will offer shelter and nest protection. And a good selection of eucalypts and large trees all from the Climate Ready Revegetation nursery mix will add to the structure, genetic diversity and resilience to the landscape.
Part of the planting zone included salt-affected ground. Here, hardy species like saltbush and hopbush were planted to help stabilise the soil and kickstart recovery in this degraded patch.
Throughout the morning, volunteers worked efficiently—digging, planting, setting up guards, and ferrying materials. Morning tea was a highlight, with delicious cakes shared in the paddock. Younger helpers were thrilled to discover healthy earthworms and bugs in the soil, and many got right into the action with pottiputki planters and muddy hands.
There was a special satisfaction for volunteers who had previously spent time in the nursery growing the plants—they were now seeing the results of their efforts take root.
The skies opened just after lunch, giving the newly planted seedlings a perfect soak. The group gathered again in the afternoon for a guided tour with Chris and Gina, who showed off other revegetation work around the farm. One particularly promising site was a new planting along the Boorowa River—set to become a thriving haven in the years ahead.
A huge thank you to everyone who joined the planting, supported nursery work, or contributed to species selection through the Climate Ready Revegetation project. With each planting, we’re helping to realise the vision of vibrant, resilient farms that support both production and biodiversity.
Want to get involved?
Follow Bowning Bookham Landcare on Facebook and Instagram or subscribe to our newsletter. The group meets monthly to share ideas and a meal at the Bowning Pub—new faces are always welcome.
Written by Sarah McGrath, Coordinator, Bowning Bookham Landcare Group