Recent Below Our Knees Native Grassland and Weed Gatherings held on 28 March and 11 April brought together landholders from Wamboin, Bywong, Sutton and Gundaroo to reflect on shared challenges in managing native grassy ecosystems and explore practical ways forward.
Delivered with Landcare, Friends of Grasslands and South East Local Land Services, the gatherings combined hands‑on field sessions with indoor discussions led by Dr Sonia Graham (University of Wollongong). Drawing on five years of research into community‑led weeding action, Sonia invited participants to break into local groups and start turning the day’s learning into action.
Wamboin residents highlighted the importance of Greenways and Crown reserves as shared community spaces. Priority weeds such as blackberry, serrated tussock, St John’s wort and invasive native species like Sifton bush continue to spread, particularly from unmanaged properties. Participants were clear that short, hands‑on activities are most effective and agreed the next step would be to organize three Greenway working bees over August-November 2026, with the support of Gearys Gap/Wamboin Landcare and the Greenways Committee.
Bywong participants emphasized the importance of peer support. Landholders are facing ongoing pressure from weeds, compounded by overgrazing from kangaroos and rabbits, and variable neighbour capacity to manage outbreaks. The group favoured small, informal activities along Morrison and Snow Gum Roads - including property visits, plant ID walks and neighbour‑led working bees and BBQs. These activities were seen as ways to build confidence, connection, and share techniques, as well as reduce the sense that people aren’t out there weeding it alone.
Sutton attendees discussed the challenges of further subdivison ad development around the township, and came up with the idea that a summer holiday program for parents and kids might be a good way to involve more of Sutton community in Landcare and weeding activites at the Reserve.
Gundaroo landholders identified African lovegrass as their key challenge, threatening box gum grassy woodlands and broader landscape health. With many already committed to multiple volunteer roles, the focus is on efficient, collaborative action. Ideas include restarting a local Landcare group and collaborating with Sutton Landcare, as well as hosting welcoming plant ID events on The Common and working bees across Dairy Creek Road and the school precinct. Coaxing people along with curry and pizza nights was also mentioned.
The role of food in community weeding activities cannot be understated. Sonia’s research found weeding is a much a social activity as an ecological one and something as simple as a cuppa, slice of cake and chat after any working bee can be the fuel to keep volunteers going and fabric to keep groups together.
While each community in Wamboin, Bywong, Sutton and Gundaroo faces different environmental pressures, the discussions revealed common ground: a strong connection to protect and restore native grassy ecosystems and a clear desire to work together rather than tackle these challenges in isolation. As the Below Our Knees series wraps up, we look forward to reconnecting with participants down the track to see how their ideas have taken root.
If you’d like to find out more about Dr Sonia Graham’s research, her new book ‘In the Weeds: Nurturing Community with Landcare’ will be released by CSIRO Publishing in June and available to pre-order at: https://www.publishing.csiro.au/book/8218/
Written by Erin Brinkley, YAN Project Officer
