Camperdown Cemetery - Marrickville Council

Transcription

Camperdown Cemetery
Kangaroo Grasslands and Historic Plantings
Restoration Strategy 2007 - 2011
Part 1: Background, management, and project review
Cover photo: native bees roosting on a Kangaroo Grass flower in Camperdown Cemetery
Restoration Strategy for Camperdown Cemetery
Kangaroo Grassland and Historic Plantings 2007 - 2011
Part 1: Background, management, and project review
Prepared by Virginia Bear for Marrickville Council and the Friends of Camperdown
Cemetery Kangaroo Grassland and Historic Plantings Steering Committee
2007
About this strategy
This strategy has been prepared to guide the management of parts of the Camperdown Cemetery
grounds where the local native plants still occur (the Kangaroo Grassland), and other plants of
cultural significance that occur in and around the grassland. It does not deal with the broader
management issues of the church and Cemetery grounds, except where they affect the Kangaroo
Grassland. For instance there are many historic grave plantings within or close to remnant
grassland areas.
The purpose of the strategy is to:
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Describe the project.
Document and analyse previous achievements and issues.
Provide clear direction for everyone involved in the project.
Help familiarise new people to the project.
Demonstrate that it is a well organised project based on sound planning.
Highlight problems to be resolved or gaps in resources.
Section 1 is based on the first restoration strategy completed in 2002 by Danie Ondinea. The
following sections have been reproduced from the first strategy with few if any changes:
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Camperdown Cemetery, Kangaroo Grassland and Historic Plantings project.
Brief history of Camperdown Cemetery.
List of native plants found in Camperdown Cemetery.
Australian plants not local to Camperdown Cemetery.
List of historic plantings.
General aims and objectives for the project.
A bush regeneration approach - general principles.
Rationale for using bush regeneration techniques to restore the remnant Kangaroo
Grassland and protect the historic grave plantings.
Rationale for not planting into the remnant Kangaroo Grassland.
Conservation guidelines for remnant vegetation and historic plantings within 19th century
cemeteries.
Camperdown Cemetery Kangaroo Grassland and Historic Plantings 2007 - 2011
i
Anglican restraint
Colleen Z Burke
For Danie Ondinea
Kangaroo and spear grass
bloom in Camperdown Cemetery
remnants of the original flora
of the Cumberland plains
surviving somehow
because of dead bones
unmown grass, neglect
and lack of herbicide use.
Scuffed by green winds
flimsy afternoon light
illumes undulating grasses
as soft sunlight
languishes amidst
the droop and
crumple of gravestones.
And I thank god
or whoever
for Anglican restraint
and total neglect
as native grasses
continue to flourish
in this miniscule
inner city sanctuary.
Kangaroo Grass and headstones 2006
2001
,
ii
Acknowledgements
Many people assisted with the production of this strategy, including Nell Graham from Marrickville
Council, the Reverend Peter Rodgers, Sandra Dudley, and members of the Friends of Camperdown
Cemetery Kangaroo Grassland and the Steering Committee.
Bushcare Supervisors Nikki Greenyer, Judith Meacham, and Briony Magoffin shared their knowledge and
ideas for managing the site.
Particular thanks is due to Danie Ondinea for her ongoing encouragement, input and feedback.
Photography by Virginia Bear unless otherwise credited.
The poetry included in this report is the work of poet and author Colleen Z Burke, who has generously
given permission for it to be reproduced here.
Colleen is a long term resident of Newtown who has a special affinity with the Cemetery, where she
regularly wanders. After talking with Danie Ondinea about the importance of the Turpentine-Ironbark
Forest remnant and its miraculous preservation, Colleen wrote the poem “Anglican Restraint” and
dedicated it to Danie.
“Anglican restraint” (page ii) won second prize in the 2002 Inner City Literary Life competition and is
included in Colleen Z Burke’s poetry collection The Odd Pagan or Two published in 2004.
“It lifts its heart” (page 2), “Thine eyes see me...” (Page 9), “Alone”, (Page 47) and “Another form of
mateship”, (Page 53) were included in Wildlife in Newtown, published in 1994.
Funding for this strategy and the project in general was provided by the Federal Government Envirofund
and the NSW Environmental Trust and Marrickville Council.
Patches of Kangaroo Grassland are now thriving in the Cemetery, thanks to an end to mowing and many hours of careful work by
the Friends to sort the natives from the weeds. Photo: Marrickville Council 2003
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Index
1 Background and history 1
Camperdown Cemetery, Kangaroo Grassland and Historic
Plantings project 1
Brief history of Camperdown Cemetery 2
Identifying the remnant and gaining support 4
The first 6 years 2001-2006 4
The first on site action 4
Funding and Council support 6
Organising and promoting 7
Regeneration of the Kangaroo Grassland 8
2 Description of the site 10
Kangaroo Grassland within Camperdown Cemetery 10
Historic Plantings 14
Historic grave plantings 14
Australian plants not local to Camperdown
Cemetery 14
Fauna 16
Management Zones 18
3 Restoration and management 22
General aims and objectives for the project 22
A bush regeneration approach and general principles for
using bush regeneration techniques 22
Rationale for not planting into the remnant
Kangaroo Grassland 22
Conservation guidelines for remnant vegetation
and historic plantings within 19th century
cemeteries 23
Work priorities 24
Priority tasks 24
Priority issues 24
Priority management zones 25
Project management and promotion 26
Planning and direction 26
Steering Committee 26
Other specialist input 26
Employment of supervisor 27
Friends group 27
Specialist tasks 27
Funding and in-kind project support 28
Expansion of area being restored 28
Record keeping 28
Site assessment and monitoring 29
Communication between major stakeholders 30
Community education and promotion 31
Formal protection 31
Managing threats 32
Mowing 32
Trampling and tracks 32
Dogs 33
Herbicide use 33
Disturbance regimes 33
Unplanned fires 34
Managing historic plantings 34
Weeds and invasive plantings 35
Pests and diseases 39
Development 39
4 Project review 2001-2006 40
Project management and promotion 42
Planning and direction 42
Steering Committee 42
Other specialist input 42
Employment of supervisor 42
Friends group 42
Specialist tasks 43
Funding and in-kind project support 43
Record keeping 44
Community education and promotion 45
Site assessment and monitoring 46
Communication between major stakeholders 46
Formal protection 46
Managing threats 48
Mowing and identification of the remnant 48
Trampling and tracks 49
Dogs 50
Herbicide use 50
Disturbance regimes 50
Fires 51
Managing historic plantings 52
Weeds and invasive plantings 52
Pests and diseases 53
Development 53
5 References 54
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1 Background and history
The Kangaroo Grassland and
Historic Plantings Project
Parts of the historic Cemetery at St Stephen’s Anglican
Church in Newtown, have been left, largely undisturbed,
since the early days of European settlement. A lack of
intensive landscaping, planting and “tidying” meant that
the bushland that grew there during Aboriginal occupation
was never completely destroyed. All the original trees are
missing, but components of the understorey have survived.
Remnants of the local bush are now rare—and are of great
scientific and cultural significance. Kangaroo grass is the
most common native species in the Cemetery, and the
bush remnant is known as the Kangaroo Grassland.
However the Kangaroo Grassland, and the historic
plantings within it, are threatened by:
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Mowing.
Invasive weeds.
Dog faeces.
Trampling (by humans and dogs).
Lighting of small fires (fire occurs more frequently
than in natural fire cycles for this community).
Inappropriate herbicide use.
Loss of natural disturbance regimes eg grazing by
macropods, occasional fire, minor soil disturbance
by burrowing, foraging animals.
Since 1996 various individuals and groups have been
working to protect the grassland and repair the damage.
Some of the exotic species planted during the years
the Cemetery was in operation—around graves or for
amenity—are also significant as a living record of past
cultural practices.
Aerial view of Camperdown Memorial Rest Park and the Cemetery . Photo: Department of Lands
1
Section 1 Background
Brief history of Camperdown
Cemetery
Camperdown Cemetery, along with St Stephen’s Anglican
Church, is listed on the Register of the National Estate, the
State Heritage Inventory and with the National Trust of
Australia (NSW). Dating from 1848, it is significant as the
finest remaining mid 19th century cemetery in Sydney. The
Anglican Church of St Stephen’s, built within the Cemetery
from 1871, is regarded as the finest Parish church to be
designed by its architect, Edmund Blacket. The Cemetery,
church, Cemetery Lodge and early twentieth century
rectory make a precinct of unique cultural significance.
The importance of the Sydney Turpentine-Ironbark Forest
remnant has only recently been recognised and it was not
included in these listings.
In 1806 the Cemetery land was part of a grant made to
Governor Bligh who named it Camperdown after a naval
victory. The Church of England Cemetery Company was
established in 1848 and purchased land from Bligh’s heirs,
the O’Connells. Camperdown became the major cemetery
for the Sydney area and there were 18,000 burials in the
18 years before its closure to sales in 1867. Later burials
brought the total to 20,000.
The Cemetery originally encompassed the entire green area
of Camperdown Memorial Rest Park (photo page 3 top)
which was resumed as park in 1948 and the monuments
removed. The remaining almost 2 hectares within the walls
constitute the most important, though reduced, example
of mid 19th century cemetery landscaping in Australia.
The Cemetery was conceived on a grand English style. At its
foundation, the area was cleared of forest, the carriageways
and most of the paths were laid out and many of the Oaks
It lifts the heart
Colleen Z Burke
Above the narrow streets
of Newtown the spire
of St. Stephen’s Church
twines around
the slender sky.
The old gothic
church with walls of Pyrmont
Freestone and columns of
Melbourne Bluestone rises
from a walled cluster of
unruly trees and gravestones
and it lifts
the heart to see the wild
green trees of Newtown fretting
at the sandstone wall. It
lifts the heart
Kangaroo Grass and the church steeple 2006
2
2007
were planted. The Figtree near the Cemetery Lodge and
the Oaks date from 1848 and are the oldest known planted
trees in the Marrickville District. The avenue of Palms date
from the 1930s. The planting of many other trees can be
accurately dated. Many trees have significance as memorial
trees. There are also heritage roses and other decorative
plantings.
Through much of the Twentieth Century the Cemetery
has been neglected. A part-time sexton maintained the
Cemetery for many years. This arrangement ceased in 1997.
The Cemetery is significant in being the burial place of the
important people in Colonial Sydney in many fields.
Among those buried at Camperdown are:
•
Lt. Col. Sir Thomas Mitchell, Surveyor General of
NSW, 1828-1855, who made many interesting
observations about native vegetation during his
explorations of NSW.
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Members of the family of Alexander Macleay, first
Speaker of NSW Parliament, and naturalist.
Isaac Nathan (1790-1864), Australia's first composer.
He was the first person to study and transcribe
Aboriginal music.
The remains of the victims of the wreck of the
"Dunbar".
Eliza Emily Donnithorne, who may have provided
the inspiration for Charles Dickens' Miss Havisham
(photo below)
The Cemetery has national Indigenous significance as
being the site of the first Christian Aboriginal burials. There
are two significant gravestones, those of Mogo and William
Perry. Outside the present Cemetery bounds is a memorial
tree to Mogo. Within the Cemetery is the Ranger Memorial
to the Aboriginal Race.
2006
3
Identifying the remnant and
gaining support
In 1996 Marrickville Council undertook the “Marrickville
Municipality, Indigenous Plant List and Remnant
Vegetation Mapping Project”. During field surveys by
Daniel Hirschfield, the remnant of original vegetation in
Camperdown Cemetery was recognised and mapped.
In October 1997 a Royal Historical Society Conference was
held. One of the field trips was a walk around Newtown
(O’Connell Town) and Danie Ondinea showed delegates
the Kangaroo Grassland and explained its natural heritage
value.
community project to protect and restore the remnant.
In August 2000, members of the Marrickville Heritage
Society met on-site with the chair of the Camperdown
Cemetery Trust, Greg Hammond, to view the remnant and
to discuss the restoration project proposal. In December
2000, stakeholders and potential partners, including
representatives from Camperdown Cemetery Trust,
Marrickville Heritage Society, Marrickville Council and
Greening Australia, formed a Steering Committee and
decided to proceed with the proposal. A sub-committee
was formed to apply for appropriate grants to support
the establishment and coordination of a small community
project for the protection and restoration of Camperdown
Cemetery’s Kangaroo Grassland.
Danie had also spoken to the Marrickville Heritage Society
about the remnant, and the Society became interested in
supporting its protection.
The first 6 years 2001 - 2006
In November 1997, Danie Ondinea invited Doug Benson,
Senior Plant Ecologist with the Royal Botanic Gardens
to have a look at the Kangaroo Grassland, and Doug
then responded to the Marrickville Heritage Society’s
request for his opinion of the significance of the grassland
remnants in Camperdown Cemetery as follows: “The grassy
areas at the western end of the Cemetery include quite
extensive areas of Kangaroo Grass, Themeda australis, as
well as Dichelachne and occasional plants of Dianella. This
would have originally been part of the understorey of the
Turpentine-Ironbark Forest of the area and it is pleasing to
see the extent of the Kangaroo Grass surviving here both
growing on the graves and in more open areas. The value
of these grassland remnants should be recognised as part
of the Cemetery’s heritage…”
The first on-site action
Later in 1997, the Marrickville Heritage Society wrote
to the Camperdown Cemetery Trust about the remnant
Kangaroo Grassland located in the Cemetery grounds
and the Society’s interest in helping to initiate a small
In June 2001, Marrickville Council funded the installation of
hardwood staking to delineate the perimeter of the largest
and most intact patch of Kangaroo Grassland apparent at
the time. This was called the “No Mow Zone”. The stakes
were painted by volunteers, and three public information
signs were installed.
Mowing by Cemetery maintenance people in the main
remnant ceased after the Now Mow Zone was delineated
by stakes.
In October 2001, on advice from members of the
Cemeteries Committee of the National Trust of Australia
(NSW), the project was extended to include the protection
and restoration of historic grave plantings existing within
the remnant vegetation areas.
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June 2001 1: Stakes around Swamp Mahogany Corner
being painted. Photo : Marrickville Council
2, 3, 4: Newly installed stakes, and designated tracks
marked by mowing. Photos: Danie Ondinea
5,6: Temporary signs. Photos: Marrickville Council
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Funding and Council support
Since the project began, Council has supported it in
various ways. In August 2001 Marrickville Council’s
Environmental Services manager Jan Orton formally
advised Council about the importance of the
remnant via a report tabled at a Council meeting.
“The Grassland is considered to be a remnant of the
Turpentine Ironbark Forest that once dominated the
Inner West. Remnants now exist in patches in the
Cooks River Valley with only 2 sites in the Marrickville
area, one in Camperdown Cemetery and the other on
the edge of the railway cutting at the city end of the
Dulwich Hill Railway Station. The Turpentine Ironbark
Forest has been listed as an Endangered Ecological
Community under the NSW Threatened Species
Conservation Act 1995.”
The report advised “Involvement in the project would
help Council meet one of the core strategies in its
Agenda 21 Policy to conserve biodiversity in the
Marrickville area.” (See Appendix 4).
Marrickville Council applied for grants on behalf
of the Steering Committee. The first, to the Federal
Cultural Heritage Projects Program was unsuccessful,
but three others were successful, bringing $21,119.00
dollars into the project.
The first Grant was for $5,300.00 from the Natural
Heritage Trust in September 2001, the next for
$7,668.00 also from the Natural Heritage Trust,
Envirofund in November 2002. The third was for
$8,151.00 from the NSW Environmental Trust in
February 2003.
The funding proposals included contributions to
the project from Marrickville Council, the Steering
Committee, the Friends of Camperdown Cemetery
and Camperdown Cemetery Trust.
Above: the 2001 “mud- map” of the remnant area
Below 1: project launch. 2: Danie Ondinea, 3: Doug Benson.
Photos Marrickville Council
In July 2005, the project received a significant
breakthrough in funding, with $2,500.00 per year
being allocated to the project from Marrickville
Council’s operating budget. This ensures the ongoing
employment of a Bushcare Supervisor.
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Organising and promoting
The project was initially guided by a restoration strategy
prepared by Danie Ondinea, subsidised by Council, and
completed in February 2002.
A project launch and information day was planned for
February 17 2002, and the local community and other
interested people were invited by letter box drop and
articles in the local media.
The project was launched in the grounds of
Camperdown Cemetery, and Doug Benson from the
Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney, gave an inspiring talk
to more than 40 people in the shade of the planted
Brushbox trees. Doug and Danie took the audience for
a walk to introduce them to the Kangaroo Grassland
remnant. Doug said “We have something very special
in Camperdown Cemetery. This is the only pocket of
Kangaroo Grassland known in this area and so it is very
important that the community work together to protect
it.” (as reported in Marrickville Heritage Society News
March 2002). Many people at the launch were delighted
by this new information and signed up to join the
Friends of Camperdown Cemetery Kangaroo Grassland
and Historic Plantings project.
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The Friends group started with a training session on
Saturday March 9 2002, with the first Supervisor, Nikki
Greenyer teaching and later supervising the bush
regeneration activities. The Friends have met monthly
since then, except during wet weather.
On March 23 2003 a second open day was held to launch
Stage 2 of the project, where Federal MP Anthony
Albanese was guest speaker.
A quarterly Friends of Camperdown Cemetery
newsletter was produced from February 2002, until it
was amalgamated with the Environmental Volunteer
Program Newsletter in 2005.
A self-guided remnant walk brochure was completed
in 2005 by Virginia Bear and the Steering Committee,
funded from the 2003 Environmental Trust Grant. By
this time most of the Cemetery had been unmown
for a while and it was possible to more easily identify
the extent of the Kangaroo Grassland. A new map was
produced for this brochure, including additional areas
to the north of the No Mow Zone and an additional
remnant patch in the north east near the Cemetery
Lodge.
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March 2003 Launch of Stage 2
Speakers are 1: Marrickville Council’s Nell Graham, 2:
Councillor Rebecca Kaiser, 3 Federal Member, Anthony
Albanese, 4.,5 Friends of Camperdown Cemetery
Volunteer, Robert Hutchinson
Photos: Marrickville Council
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2006
Regeneration of the Kangaroo
Grassland
Protection from mowing gave native plants a chance to
grow, flower and seed, even in areas not being weeded.
The remnant is now larger than was first realised, either
because previously mown native plants have grown and
become more obvious, or because new plants have grown.
The Friends concentrated their work in the No Mow Zone,
around the planted Swamp Mahogany and on the western
edge of the Wattle Grove.
The condition of these areas improved gradually as weeds
were removed, as much as possible before seed was
dropped, reducing the germination of weed seed and
preventing additional seed from being stored in the soil.
Woody weeds through the entire remnant area were
targeted. Most of the mature woody weeds such as African
Olive and Ochna were removed from the No Mow Zone
and seedlings were removed as soon as they were noticed.
crop of native plants. However, strong regeneration
followed, including the appearance of Kennedia rubicunda–
a plant that was not previously apparent on the site.
Another two fires occurred—part of the area burned in
2002 was burned again in July 2006.
A 2005 report to Council stated that an “estimated 300%
increase in coverage of native grasses and groundcovers
since the beginning of the project” had occurred. And there
had been 34 working bees each lasting 2 hours with an
average 7.5 volunteers attending. A total of 510 volunteer
hours had been dedicated to restoring the Kangaroo
Grassland remnant.
As well as the known area of Kangaroo Grass increasing,
Desmodium and Dianella, in particular, have appeared in
places where they were not previously noticed.
The unmown grassland is used by a variety of insects. No
specific studies have been carried out but 15 different
native insects were opportunistically recorded on or in the
Kangaroo Grassland species.
By December 2006 both the Kangaroo Grassland remnant
and the Friends group were continuing in their restoration
partnership and gaining in strength.
A fire burned about half of the No Mow Zone in 2002,
causing much concern because it removed the standing
Photos: Friends of Camperdown Cemetery volunteers at work
2006
Photo: Kent Johnson 2005
8
“Thine eyes see me and I am
no longer there.”
Job. Chap 7.v.6
Colleen Z Burke
Grains of moss lie close
to the weathered gravestones.
August winds nibble our thin
bones. Slowly. Leaves shiver
underfoot. The green air trails
on the ground. Heavy. Eyes
closed. We see you blown lightly
off the South Head Cliff. Drowned
deeply in Sydney Harbour. Passing
away peacefully at Pyrmont. We
see you. The wind gnaws the bones
stark and bare the dead leaves
shiver. I see you and you are
no longer there.
2006
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2 Description of the site
Kangaroo Grassland within
Camperdown Cemetery
The area where Camperdown Cemetery is situated would
once have been covered with Sydney Turpentine-Ironbark
Forest, a vegetation type previously characteristic of the
inner west of Sydney. (Benson & Howell, 1990; Benson,
Ondinea & Bear, 1999)
Very little Sydney Turpentine-Ironbark Forest (STIF)
remains today and it is listed as an Endangered Ecological
Community on the schedules of the Federal Environmental
Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (1999), and
under the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act
(1995).
The grassland remnants found within the Cemetery
grounds are an important example of the understorey of
this endangered vegetation type.
Approximately 285m2 of land within the Cemetery
grounds is known to contain STIF species. The quantity and
diversity of native species, as well as the amount of weed,
varies throughout the remnant area. Some parts are in a
degraded condition, containing moderate to high densities
of weed grasses and herbs and, to a lesser extent, weedy
shrubs as well as historic plantings of exotic herbs, vines,
shrubs and trees. Other parts have few weeds and are in
good condition.
The largest patch of Kangaroo Grassland is in the western
third of the Cemetery grounds, containing substantial
patches of remnant native grasses, lilies, twiners, etc
amongst grave sites and monuments. The southern half of
this patch was designated as the original “No Mow Zone”,
in 2001.
Another patch of remnant grassland (referred to in this
strategy as “The Island”) occurs in the north east of the
Cemetery grounds, in the corner formed by the Cermetery
Lodge and the stone fence. It is dominated by Kangaroo
Grass but also contains the grasses Microlaena, and Plume
Grass as well as the native peas Desmodium, and Glycine.
The photograph of the Green and Gold Nomia Bees on the
cover of this report, was taken in The Island.
The Kangaroo Grassland (as of December 2006) is made up
of 21 native species. There is a small possibility that, in the
future, additional native plants may still regenerate from
soil-stored seedbanks.
Kangaroo Grass is the most common plant throughout,
dominating many parts of the remnant. Microlaena
dominates some small patches.
The lily Dianella is most common in the north west corner
of the main remnant, in an area about 40m2 centred around
the planted Swamp Mahogany tree (referred to as “Swamp
Mahogany Corner”).
Redleg Grass occurs in a few sparse patches, most
obviously in the area between the Swamp Mahogany and
the carriageway.
A stand of Parramatta Green Wattle (Acacia parramattensis)
occurs in a grove, the ‘Wattle Grove’, in the northern section
of the main remnant, with native grasses growing amongst
the monuments beneath it. The stand is considered to have
a 50% chance of being a remnant of the original vegetation
(pers. comm. Doug Benson 1997).
Other species have a patchy distribution throughout
the remnant, including areas where they are particularly
abundant and other areas where they are sparse or absent.
The character of the remnant changes through the seasons.
Some of the plants are not obvious unless they are in flower
or seed. The Plume Grass is highly visible during spring and
summer but difficult to find in winter.
The remaining vegetated area of the Cemetery is mown
and is very disturbed, containing high densities of weed
grasses, herbs and shrubs as well as historic plantings of
exotic herbs, vines, shrubs and trees.
10
Section 2 description of the site
List of Kangaroo Grassland Plants within Camperdown Cemetery
Species name
Common name
Picture number
Acacia parramattensis
Aristida vagans
Austrodanthonia tenuior**
Bothriochloa macra *
Centella asiatica
Commelina cyanea*
Cyperus mirus
Desmodium varians**
Dianella longifolia**
Dichelachne crinita
Dichondra repens
Entolasia marginata*
Eragrostis brownii
Glycine clandestina
Kennedia rubicunda* *
Microlaena stipoides
Pittosporum undulatum
Pteridium esculentum
Sporobolus creber***
Themeda australis
Wahlenbergia gracilis*
Parramatta Green Wattle
Aristida, Three-awn Speargrass
Wallaby Grass
Redleg Grass
Centella, Pennywort
Commelina, Scurvey Weed
Cyperus
Desmodium
Dianella, Flax lily
Longhair Plume Grass
Dichondra, Kidney Weed
Entolasia, Right-angle Grass
Eragarostis, Brown’s Love Grass
Glycine, Love Creeper
Kennedia, Dusky Coral Pea
Microlaena, Weeping Meadow Grass
Sweet Pittosporum
Bracken
Native Parramatta Grass, Slender Rats Tail Grass
Kangaroo Grass
Wahlenbergia, Native Bluebell
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6
12
3
5
8
1
11
13
4
2
9
10
14
Based on “Native plant species local (indigenous) to the site” from Ondinea 2002 Restoration Strategy for Camperdown
Cemetery Kangaroo Grasslands and Historic Plantings. Includes species identified in 1996 by Daniel Hirschfeld.
* additional species identified by Danie Ondinea, Martin Bremner and Virginia Bear in 2001.
**species that have appeared or been identified since 2001
Dianella longifolia was originally identified as Dianella revoluta
Desmodium varians was originally identified as Glycine tabacina
Kennedia rubicunda appeared after the 2002 fire
Austrodanthonia tenuior was identified as Danthonia sp. in 2002
***Sporobolus creber is hybridising with the South African weed grass Sporobolus. africanus
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Historic Plantings
Some of the plantings within the Kangaroo Grassland
areas are significant in their own right. Some, such as the
roses, are associated with graves and are of particular
historic interest. There are also more common species
or recent plantings which have become a valued and
worthwhile part of the Cemetery landscape, such as the
Palms and Oaks.
Historic grave plantings
Graves in the Cemetery were often tended by relatives
and friends of the deceased person, who might weed and
plant around the grave—sometimes for many decades
after the burial.
The low level of disturbance (such as herbicide spraying,
intensive landscaping or gardening) in the Cemetery,
allowed some of these early grave plantings to survive—
along with some of the original native plants.
The grave plantings are significant because they can
provide interesting cultural insights. Some had religious or
symbolic significance such as the use of the colour white,
meaning purity, and some signified how the bereaved
were feeling, such as Chinese “Weeping” Elms. They may
indicate what plants were fashionable at the time of a
persons’ demise, such as Oxalis. Highly perfumed roses
were also frequently used to commemorate loved ones.
Many are old varieties that are uncommon today. They
would be of interest to keen gardeners and garden
historians, and may one day be sought after for study
or cultivation. This is why some that are currently quite
common species (such as Agapanthus, or Snowdrop) or
others that are widely known as weeds (such as Oxalis,
Montbretia, Vinca and Honeysuckle) are still worth
protecting.
Australian plants not local to
the area
Some of the trees in and around the Kangaroo Grassland
remnants are planted or self-seeded Australian native
plants, from other areas or other bushland types, that were
not part of the Kangaroo Grassland community.
List of historic plantings within Kangaroo Grassland areas
Species name
Agapanthus africanus
Acacia implexa
Acmena smithii
Callitris rhomboidea?
Crocososmia x croscomiiflora
Dipogon lignosus
Eucalyptus robusta
Indigofera decora?
Lagerstroemia indica
Leucojun vernum
Lonicera japonica ‘Halliana’
Lophostemon confertus
Melaleuca styphelioides
Melaleuca quinquenervia
Oxalis species
Phoenix canariensis
Quercus species
Rosa species
Tritonia longiflora
Ulmus chinensis
Verbena rigida?
Vinca major
Watsonia bulbillifera
Common name
Australian
Other
Historic
plants not Picture
significant
grave
local to the Number
planting planting
area
Agapanthus
Hickory
Lilly Pilly
Port Jackson Cypress
Montbretia
Dipogon/Dolichos
Swamp Mahogany
Indigofera
Crepe Myrtle
Snowdrop
Honeysuckle (Hall’s Hybrid)
Brush Box
Prickly-leaved Paperbark
Broad-leaved Paperbark
Pink Oxalis
Palm
Oak
Various heritage roses
Cream Ixia
Chinese Elm
Verbena
Vinca, Blue Periwinkle
Wild or Common Watsonia
1
2
3
4
5
6,11
7
8
9
10
Based on lists from Ondinea 2002, Restoration Strategy for Camperdown Cemetery Kangaroo Grasslands and Historic
Plantings. Includes historic grave plantings identified by Michael Lehany and George Gibbons during a site visit in
October 2001.
14
1
2
4
7
3
5
8
6
9
10
11
15
Fauna
Animals seen in Camperdown Cemetery 2001-2007
Common Name
The Kangaroo Grassland is used
by a variety of birds, reptiles
and insects. No specific studies
have been carried out but 17
different invertebrates were
opportunistically recorded on
or in the Kangaroo Grassland
species since the project
commenced. The Blue-tongue
lived in the Cemetery for a few
months, but was apparently killed
in the November 2006 fire.
Species name
Picture
Number
Tiliqua scincoides
Lampropholis guichenoti
Cyrptoblepharus virgatus
1
2
3
Nelphila ornata
Oxopes elegens
Phonognatha graeffei
4
5
6
Amegilla cingulata
Lipotriches australica
18
Birds
Laughing Kookaburra
Rock Dove / Feral Pigeon (Introduced)
Rainbow Lorikeet
Noisy Miner
Willie Wagtail
Grey Butcherbird
Reptiles
Eastern Blue-tongue (lizard)
Grass Sun-skink
Wall lizard
Spiders
Golden Orb Spider
Lynx Spider
Leaf-curling Spider
Bees
Blue-banded Bee
Green and Gold Bee
Flies and wasps
Drone fly
Fly species (small)
Wasp species spider wasp? (orange and
black)
Eristalinus punctulatus
7
8
9
Butterflies and Moths
Common Grass-blue
Greenish Grass-dart
Heliotrope moth
Moth species 1
Moth species 2
Zizina labradus
Ocybadistes walkeri
Utetheisa pulchelloides
10
11
12
13
14
Other insects
Grasshopper species
Wandering Percher Dragonfly
Soldier Beetle
Diplacodes bipunctata
Family Cantharidae
15
16
17
Photo: Marrickville Council
1
3
2
16
4
7
11
5
8
6
9
12
10
13
14
15
16
17
18
17
Management zones
To assist with planning and directing work, as well as
reporting, the Kangaroo Grassland has been divided
into 23 management zones. These areas were chosen
because they are easily identifiable eg. defined by a path,
monument, location or a particular plant species, or they
are characterised by particular management problems or
by a mix of species.
Chinese Elm Patch
Around the large patch of Chinese Elms. Low resilience,
mostly exotics.
STIF species: A few Kangaroo Grass, Dianella
Headstones Area
This section has almost complete rows of headstones. It
includes patches of dense Kangaroo Grass.
STIF species: Strong stand of Kangaroo Grass, some
Centella, Plume Grass, Kennedia, Desmodium, Entolasia
Historic plantings: Watsonia, Vinca, Heritage Rose,
Honeysuckle, Indigofera
Main weeds: Kikuyu, Couch, Carpet Grass, Paspalum
Historic Planting Zone
This zone contains examples of most of the historic plants,
which are clearly visible from the path.
STIF species: Kangaroo Grass, Centella
Historic plantings: Chinese Elm, Vinca, Ixia
Historic plantings: Ixia, Vinca, Watsonia, Heritage roses,
Oxalis, Crepe Myrtle
Main weeds: Buffalo Grass, Ehrharta, Plantain
Main weeds: Dock, Couch, Buffalo Grass, Rye Grass
Dipogon Patch
The Island
A small area partly within the Plume Grass Patch,
dominated by a Dipogon that is being retained as an
historic planting.
Isolated from the main remnant, in northern corner of the
Cemetery grounds close to the Lodge and the stone fence.
STIF species: Kangaroo Grass, Plume Grass
STIF species: Kangaroo Grass, Desmodium, Microlaena,
Plume Grass
Historic plantings: Dipogon
Main weeds: Kikuyu
Main weeds: Paspalum, Kikuyu, Ehrharta, Couch
Meeting Area
Disturbed Edge
South of the carriageway adjacent to the Chinese Elm
patch, with little or no resilience.
Around the “incinerator” monument, where the Friends
usually gather at the start of the workday.
STIF species: Kangaroo Grass, Microlaena, Redleg Grass
Historic plantings: Verbena
East of Headstones
Main weeds: Paspalum, Parramatta Grass, Plantain,
Ehrharta, Couch, Catsear
The edge of the remnant, adjacent to the Headstones Area.
STIF species: Kangaroo Grass
Microlaena Patch
Historic plantings: Watsonia, Ixia
Main weeds: Kikuyu, Vinca, Pigeon Grass, Carpet Grass
Dominated by large planted or self-seeded Melalucas with
Kikuyu around the edges. Has patches of pure Microlaena.
STIF species: Microlaena, Kangaroo Grass, Desmodium
East Patch
Main weeds: Ehrharta, Kikuyu, Paspalum, Wild Oat
4 to 6 metres east of Wattle Grove East.
Main weeds: Kikuyu, Couch, Plantain
Near the Wall
Between the wall and the path - west of the historic
planting zone.
STIF species: Themeda, Dianella, Microlaena, Plume Grass
Main weeds: Kikuyu, Paspalum
18
Obelisk Patch
Southern Edge
Includes the McLerie monument—the tallest monument in
the remnant. Contains most of the Slender Rats-tail Grass
Sporobolus creber on the site.
STIF species: Themeda
Historic plantings: Verbena
Main weeds: Kikuyu, Paspalum, Carpet Grass, Plantain,
Albizia
Historic plantings: Ixia, Vinca, Verbena, Oxalis
Main weeds: Plantain, Paspalum, Kikuyu, Couch, Ehrharta
Palm Patch
Includes a large Date Palm.
STIF species: Kangaroo Grass, Centella, Dianella,
Microlaena, Glycine
Historic plantings: Heritage rose, Watsonia
Main weeds: Kikuyu, Ehrharta, Vinca, Clover
Swamp Mahogany Corner
The most diverse part of the remnant. The only area where
the native grass Three-awn Speargrass grows, and contains
the largest patch of Dianella, and Redleg Grass. There is
a problem with trampling where people cut the corner,
walking over the remnant species and monuments and
creating a track.
STIF species: Kangaroo Grass, Three-awn Speargrass,
Dianella, Microlaena, Desmodium, Plume Grass
Historic plantings: Ixia, Vinca
Plume Grass Patch
Good native diversity and the greatest concentration of
Plume Grass.
Main weeds: Verbena, Paspalum, Couch, Chinese Elm
seedlings
Wattle Grove East
STIF species: Kangaroo Grass, Plume Grass, Dianella
Historic plantings: Ixia, Watsonia, Oxalis, Verbena
Main weeds: Kikuyu, Plantain, Couch, Rye Grass, Paspalum,
Vetch, Carpet Grass, Catsear
STIF species: Microlaena, Green Wattle
Historic plantings: Heritage roses
Main weeds: Ehrharta
PR Area
Wattle Grove West
An open, well used area adjoining the propeller patch.
STIF species: Dianella, Microlaena, Entolasia, Green Wattle
STIF species: Kangaroo Grass, Dianella, Microlaena,
Desmodium, Plume Grass, Redleg Grass
Historic plantings: Heritage roses
Main weeds: Ehrharta, Kikuyu
Historic plantings: Ixia
Main weeds: Parramatta Grass, Paspalum, Couch, Ehrharta,
Bromus, Platain
Western Corner
STIF species: Kangaroo Grass, Dianella
Propeller Patch
Main weeds: Kikuyu, Ehrharta
Around the propeller monument and includes an often used
entrance to the Kangaroo Grassland area. Parts are heavily
trampled and compacted with little or no resilience. Other
parts (towards the Headstones Area) have good resilience.
STIF species: Kangaroo Grass, Desmodium, Plume Grass,
Redleg Grass
Historic plantings: Ixia, Heritage rose
Main weeds: Ehrharta, Paspalum, Rye Grass, Wild Oats,
Couch, Petty Spurge, Carpet Grass, Catsear, Buffalo Grass,
Clover
19
Wattle
Grove
West
The Island
Wattel grove east
East Patch
Palm Patch
Obelisk Patch
Chinese Elm Patch
Historic plantng Zone
Along the Wall
Headstones Area
propeller Patch
East of Headstones
Meeting Area
Microlaena Patch
Dipogon Patch
Southern Edge
P.R. Area
Plume Grass Patch
3 Restoration and
management
General aims and objectives for
the project
The main aim of the project is to protect and restore
the remnants of the original Turpentine-Ironbark Forest
understorey as well as historic grave plantings which
still survive in the grounds of Camperdown Cemetery,
Newtown.
The objectives are:
1.
To maintain a Steering Committee of interested
people to guide and support the project.
2. To raise sufficient funds to adequately support the
project.
3. To ensure, through ongoing consultation, that
Cemetery management practices have minimal
impact on the remnant vegetation and historic grave
plantings.
4. To continue the training and support of a Friends of
the Camperdown Cemetery Kangaroo Grassland and
Historic Plantings group to carry out the hands-on
restoration work and assist with dissemination of
information and fostering support for the project.
5. To maintain good communication between
the Friends group and St Stephen’s Church
administration, congregation and grounds
committee.
6. To carry out the recommended actions to alleviate
threats and provide conditions for the regeneration
of the Turpentine-Ironbark Forest understorey as well
as historic grave plantings.
7. To maintain an accurate map of the extent of
remnant area within the Cemetery grounds.
8. To inform and consult with the wider community
about this project and invite their participation.
9. To continue the employment of an appropriately
trained and experienced person to co-ordinate the
project and supervise the restoration work.
10. Ensure that progress of the Kangaroo Grassland and
Historic Plantings Restoration Project is monitored
and is incorporated into Marrickville LGA biodiversity
and reporting frameworks.
11. To foster appreciation of, and help protect, the
historic, social, scientific, educational and recreational
values of Camperdown Cemetery as a whole.
12. To provide a forum for community building and local
networking.
13. To update the Restoration Strategy every 5 years.
A bush regeneration approach
- general principles
Rationale for using bush
regeneration techniques
Bush regeneration (also known as assisted natural
regeneration) is the preferred method for restoring the
health of remnant native vegetation. This approach will best
retain the unique scientific and educational values of these
remnants of the original vegetation communities of the
area, and will also protect the historic plantings within the
grave sites.
The Kangaroo Grassland has survived, despite soil
disturbance and years of mowing and trampling, because
of the resilience of the seed and underground plant parts
stored in the original native soils. It is essential that all steps
are taken to retain the integrity of this remnant.
These remnants will also provide a rare living snapshot
of the pre-European settlement natural vegetation of the
Marrickville LGA (albeit in a very modified form).
Rationale for not planting into
the remnant Kangaroo Grassland
Bush regeneration is the most appropriate method for
restoring a significant remnant such as the Camperdown
Cemetery Kangaroo Grassland.
Revegetation (or planting) is not appropriate for this locally
rare, ecologically significant, remnant vegetation site. The
introduction of genetic material (i.e. plants) from outside
the site will compromise the unique scientific value and
genetic integrity of the vegetation present.
Collecting seed from the site and growing, planting and
maintaining plantings is labour intensive and takes up
resources (time and money) more appropriately used in
bush regeneration.
Also, taking seed from these plants reduces the amount of
22
Section 3 Restoration and Management
seed dropped and stored in the soil for future regeneration
and the long-term survival of the vegetation and removes
a food source for local seed-eating wildlife (eg. birds and
insects).
Collecting seed from, and planting into, these remnants may
require a NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service permit
as they have been identified as the remnant groundcover
of Sydney Turpentine-Ironbark Forest, an Endangered
Ecological Community under the NSW Threatened Species
Conservation Act (1995).
It would be appropriate to plant local provenance species
- particularly canopy trees - in the adjoining Camperdown
Memorial Rest Park, if suitable stock can be obtained. Seek
expert advice on appropriate seed sources from the Senior
Plant Ecologist, Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney. etc.
Conservation guidelines for
remnant vegetation and historic
plantings within 19th century
cemeteries
The National Trust of Australia (NSW) recommends in
Cemeteries - A Policy Paper (1987), pages 27–36, the following
policies. The emphasis of their vegetation recommendations
is on plantings, however the importance of protecting
remnant vegetation is also recognised.
Relevant points from the Summary of
Policy Recommendations are:
“The policy of the National Trust is that cemeteries should
not be converted but should be preserved or restored in a
way which retains their significance (page 27).
Plantings
16. A list of extant species should be compiled and care
should be taken to preserve traditional cemetery
plantings, or replace them with the same species.
19. Spread of grave plantings to other areas of the
Cemetery is not regarded as a problem. They do
not damage the site and in many cases contribute
greatly to the Cemetery’s visual and nostalgic quality.
This quality should not be destroyed by excessive
mowing, trimming or poisoning.
20. Native grasses in many instances add to the visual
quality of the Cemetery by providing a textured
background and retarding the spread of weeds. It
is therefore recommended that these be retained
where present and major paths only be mown.
21. The use of mowers and slashers near graves is not
recommended because of the damage that may be
caused to the fabric of the stone.
22. Remnant stands of vegetation should be retained and
mowing or use of herbicides in these areas should be
kept to a minimum.
Weed Removal
23. Manual removal of small weed infestations is
advocated where this will not cause damage to
monuments…
25. Invasive trees or weeds which cannot be removed
without damaging monuments should be poisoned
and left in situ (pages 30 - 31).
The NSW Heritage Office also states, in a letter dated
6/11/01 (see Appendices), that: “ Staff or community
representatives who will be undertaking the work should
be briefed on the difference between historic plantings
(exotic species) and ‘weeds’. Preferably this work should
be supervised by a qualified person with experience in
identification of cultural landscapes and plantings.
It should be further noted that exotic cultural plantings
can continue to exist alongside significant native species in
cultural landscapes if an appropriate maintenance program
is implemented on a regular basis.”
The NSW Heritage Office recommends that a maintenance
schedule for the site be prepared in the near future.
This Restoration Strategy attempts to address and resolve
the sometimes competing needs of the remnant vegetation
and the historic grave plantings for protection and
restoration and takes note of the above recommendations.
Its’ intention is to maintain a mosaic of cultural and natural
landscapes within the Cemetery grounds.
The Headstones Area 2006
23
Work priorities
Weed around native plants and
historic plantings
The work priorities were developed in consultation with the
Bushcare Supervisor and Friends. They provide guidelines
for restoring the Kangaroo Grassland and historic plantings
in the most effective and appropriate way.
Give native plants a chance to grow and spread, by removing
weeds that are crowding and shading them. Also remove
weeds from around heritage roses, and other plantings to be
retained.
They are intended as a general direction; it will be up to the
Supervisor to consider the priorities and decide their dayto-day application. For example, they may chose to work
in a shady area on a hot day, even if it means leaving some
seeding weeds until next month. It is not expected that all
the priorities can be achieved on any one workday.
In hot or dry conditions, weeds can sometimes provide
important shelter for regenerating native seedlings. Possible
shelter weeds should be retained until seedlings have had
time to establish, or they should be removed gradually
giving the seedlings room to grow while still providing some
protection.
The works program needs to be flexible because volunteer
numbers and skill levels may fluctuate, and workdays may
be rained out. Also site responses may be influenced by
weather conditions and other unpredictable factors such as
fire and trampling.
Manage woody weeds
Remove woody weeds, such as Privet and Cotoneaster, as
time and resources permit. Regularly remove woody weed
seedlings to prevent them establishing.
The Supervisor must use their skills and experience to
ensure the volunteers achieve the best results for their
efforts under all conditions. This is one of the reasons that a
skilled and experienced Supervisor is essential.
Target weeding
Priority tasks
Mowing
Prevent weeds from seeding
Keep tracks mown, especially around the Entrance Area.
Consider mowing weedy areas to reduce seed drop e.g.
Propeller Patch and Entrance Area.
Stopping weeds from seeding will reduce the amount of
weed regrowth and reduce the weed seedbank stored in
the soil.
Priority should be given to removing weeds which are
about to drop seed, such as mature Ehrharta, or Privet with
fruit. Younger, smaller plants that may not seed for a while,
can be removed later.
Even if there is not enough time to remove the entire plant,
it is sometimes effective to remove the seed heads before
the seeds drop, e.g. Paspalum. This is an important strategy
for managing historic plantings such as Watsonia and Ixia
in areas where they are to be retained.
Mowing or whipper snippering can be used effectively to
prevent seeding in areas with few or no native plants.
Contain patches of weeds, and weedy
historic plantings
If weeds can’t be removed because of time constraints or
because they are useful in some way, it is often possible to
contain them and prevent their spread.
Work from good areas back toward a patch of dense
weed. Remove outlying plants such as Ehrharta, or Ixia, or
runners of Buffalo and Kikuyu from areas of mixed weed
and native plant. Create a clear edge around the patch to
be contained. Regularly maintain the edge to prevent the
weeds spreading out again.
The weed patches can be removed when time and
resources are available, by hand weeding, or herbicide
spraying.
Target certain species to prevent the spread of particular
problem weeds across the whole site e.g. Bridal Creeper or
Moth Vine.
Tidying for public relations
Keep the site looking well cared for by removing dead
woody weeds, and by removing highly visible weeds, such as
Fleabane.
Remove dead wattles from Wattle Grove as necessary, taking
care not to damage monuments, e.g. by dragging heavy
branches over them.
Seed broadcasting
Seed broadcasting can be useful for degraded areas that are
within or adjacent to diverse or weed-free areas of remnant.
For example, in areas where Kikuyu has been sprayed, lightly
rake the ground to loosen the surface (this is particularly
important if the soil is compacted) and spread seed-bearing
Themeda stems.
Priority issues
Areas that can provide enjoyable
and appropriate work experiences
The comfort and job satisfaction of the group and
of individual volunteers is important. It is part of the
Supervisors role to, where possible, find appropriate areas
and tasks for various members of the group. For example:
•
The best place to work on a hot day may be
somewhere shady.
24
•
•
A patch of weeds that are easy to identify and
remove (e.g. Shivery Grass) may be best for
inexperienced volunteers.
An area with historic plants is enjoyable for
someone who has a particular interest in
horticultural history.
Areas already in good condition
Use regular, timely weeding to ensure that healthy, relatively
weed free, areas remain in good condition. Control scattered
or light weed infestations to prevent them establishing or
spreading.
As a general rule it is best to maintain good areas first before
moving into more time consuming, degraded areas. This will
ensure the maximum area of remnant is in good condition.
However, this work usually requires an experienced worker
with good plant identification and weed removal skills.
Weedy or degraded areas within or
beside diverse or weed-free areas of
remnant
It is efficient to eliminate small islands of weed that are within
areas of Kangaroo Grassland, and to weed around the edges of
good areas. This gives native plants a chance to expand and fill
in the gaps left by weeds.
High visibility areas
To encourage good public relations, large obvious weeds
should be removed from places such as track entrances.
Many visitors don’t venture far into the site, so the state of the
entrance may make a bigger impression on them than the site
as a whole.
Remnant patches with high native
diversity
Areas, such as Swamp Mahogany Corner, that contain many
different plants can give us the best idea of what grew in the
original remnant. They should be checked regularly and weeds
removed as required.
The size of the area to be worked depends on variables
such as the number of volunteers, the hours they work and
their skill levels, the amount of funding for professional
regenerators, and the response of the site. It is up to the
Supervisor to determine, and regularly review, the work
area and ensure it can be maintained with the resources
available.
Current priority work areas are:
•
•
•
Wattle Grove West (a large area with good diversity).
Microlaena Patch (a lot of work has already been
done and it is a shady area that is pleasant to work
in summer).
Swamp Mahogany Corner (the most diverse part
of the site - where a lot of work has already been
done).
Other work areas are:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Propeller Patch
PR area
Obelisk Patch
Dipogon Patch
Headstones Area
Chinese Elm Patch
Historic Planting Zone
Plume Grass Area
Wattle Grove East
Meeting Area
Areas not currently worked are:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
East of Headstones
Southern Edge
Palm Patch
Western Corner
East Patch
The Island
Disturbed Edge
Priority management zones
With current resources, it won’t be possible to restore and
maintain the entire site. By focusing on particular areas,
such as 3 or 4 management zones, to work in consistently,
volunteers get to see some progress.
As the condition of the patches improves, and maintenance
time is reduced, it will be possible to take on new areas.
Generally it is better to be conservative in the size of the
area that is taken on. Weedy sites require a large, consistent
effort over a long period of time and it is not good practice
to start on an area if follow up cannot be guaranteed. The
Supervisor must be sure areas already worked are in good
condition before starting on new, possibly difficult, areas.
25
Project management and
promotion
This section describes the way the project is organised and
provides some direction.
Planning and direction
Sound planning and clear direction are essential for an
effective project. The Kangaroo Grassland and Historic
Planting Restoration Project uses three main planning
mechanisms:
The strategy, and its updates, which sets out the
project’s aims, give guidelines for the work, and
documents the project’s progress.
2. The Steering Committee which provides ongoing
guidance.
3. The Bushcare Supervisor, who is responsible for
applying the restoration aims and objectives,
adjusting work strategies within the guidelines
provided by the strategy, documenting works,
and bringing issues to the notice of the Steering
Committee where necessary.
Some issues associated with managing the Kangaroo
Grassland, e.g. protection of monuments, management
of historic plantings, dogs, lighting of fires, interpretive
signage etc, apply to the Cemetery in general. These need
to be dealt with in close co-operation with the Cemetery
Trust. However there is currently no Plan of Management
for the entire site. The project would benefit from some
clearer direction on these issues.
•
Marrickville Council (currently coordinating the
Steering Committee and supplying meeting venue)
•
The Friends of Camperdown Cemetery Kangaroo
Grassland and Historic Plantings
•
St Stephen's Church Rector
•
Camperdown Cemetery Trust representatives
•
Marrickville Heritage Society representatives
•
Marrickville Council Bushcare Supervisor
Other people and organisations have potential to
contribute to the project:
•
•
1.
Recommendations
1.
2.
Update the Restoration Strategy for Camperdown
Cemetery Kangaroo Grassland and Historic
Plantings at least every 5 years.
Prepare a Plan of Management for the entire
Cemetery Grounds.
•
Continuity is important with restoration projects such as
this, so it is an advantage if effective Steering Committee
members stay involved over a period of time.
Recommendations
•
•
•
•
•
•
Resourcing
Unresourced. Options: approach Council during annual
budget process and source grant funding from natural
resource management organisations. Seek assistance from
Camperdown Cemetery Trust.
Camperdwon Cemetery Trust or St Stephens Church
grounds maintenance staff or volunteers.
People with special knowledge in ecology, bush
regeneration, historic cemeteries, historic plants,
fundraising, promotion, etc.
Organisations such as the Sydney Metro Catchment
Management Authority, NSW Department of
Environment and Climate Change.
Ensure there is an adequately resourced and
capable person to act as coordinator/minutes
secretary of the Steering Committee.
Continue to organise regular meetings, record
minutes and distribute them to Committee
members.
Maintain an up-to-date contact list of all essential
participants and major stakeholders, and include
them in the Steering Committee process. Invite
them to be part of the Steering Committee.
If other people and organisations with potential
to contribute to the project are identified, invite
them to join the Steering Committee.
Encourage Steering Committee members with a
long positive involvement in the project to stay
involved.
Consider holding some meetings in the Cemetery
grounds.
Resourcing
Existing resources: Supervisor, other council staff,
volunteers.
Steering Committee
Other specialist input
The project is guided by a Steering Committee of
stakeholders and interested people who meet regularly.
Many individuals and organisations, such as those listed
above may not be able to serve on the Steering Committee
but may still be able to contribute to the project by giving
presentations at special events, or by advising about
specific issues, etc.
The following people and organisations are essential
participants or major stakeholders in the project and must
be kept informed about the project. It is important they
have a chance to contribute to the project, preferably by
being part of the Steering Committee or by regular contact.
26
Recommendations
•
•
Identify other potential contributors and keep
them informed about the project via newsletters.
Invite other people to participate if the
opportunity arises or for specialist input.
•
•
Resourcing
•
Existing resources: Supervisor, other council staff,
volunteers.
•
Employment of supervisor
The project relies heavily on a skilled and experienced
bush regeneration Supervisor, who coordinates work and
decides how to apply the management recommendations
on site.
Marrickville Heritage Society member about the
significance of the Church and Cemetery.
Provide relevant information about the
significance of the Church and Cemetery (e.g. from
Council’s Historian).
Regularly consult with the Friends to identify and
to meet their needs.
Continue to ensure volunteers are briefed
on OH&S issues relevant to the site before
commencing work.
Prior to every meeting ensure that the Supervisor
or delegated volunteer completes a litter, sharps
and dog faeces search using gloves and tongs and
a sharps container. This will help remind volunteers
of the importance of safe work practices and OH&S
issues associated with this site.
Resourcing
Existing resources: Council Budget, volunteers.
Recommendations
•
•
•
Continue the employment of an appropriately
trained and experienced person to co-ordinate the
project and supervise the restoration work and the
Friends group.
Ensure the Supervisor is given adequate paid
time outside the volunteer work sessions to do
tasks such as mowing, spraying, reporting and
attending meetings.
It is essential that adequately trained and
experienced persons supervise volunteer bush
regeneration groups. A ratio of 1 supervisor to 5
volunteers is recommended until identification
of native species and historic plantings and bush
regeneration techniques are well understood and
adopted by volunteers.
Resourcing
Existing resources: Council Budget.
Friends group
The existence of an effective Friends group is crucial for
protecting the remnant grassland, not only for the work
they do on site, but also for their role in communicating
their understanding and appreciation of the project to their
social networks and the broader community.
Specialist tasks
Some of the tasks required on site are not appropriate for
the average bushcare volunteer. There may be OH&S issues
(e.g. with spraying), or the task may require particular skills
and interest (e.g. mowing).
The main tasks are:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Mowing paths
Herbicide spraying
Monitoring
Flame weeding
Removal of large woody weeds with chainsaw
Maintaining the plant herbarium
Recommendation
Ensure the Supervisor is employed for enough extra
hours, outside Friends workday hours, to complete these
tasks. There should be provision for temporary extra
hours, or assistance from others if necessary e.g. if more
frequent mowing is required in a wet summer.
Resourcing
Unresourced.
Recommendations
Continue the training and support of a Friends of the
Camperdown Cemetery Kangaroo Grassland and Historic
Plantings group. Specific recommendations are:
•
•
•
Communicate the progress of the project i.e. Friends
of Camperdown Cemetery Newsletter.
Provide Friends with a copy of the Camperdown
Plantings Restoration Strategy 2007 – 2011.
Organise talks by Council's Historian or a
27
Funding and in-kind project
support
Support from Marrickville Council
Marrickville Council provides a budget of $2,500 per annum to
fund the employment of a Supervisor.
In addition, Council subsidises recruitment and training of the
Friends group. The Kangaroo Grassland project is promoted
by Council through its Environmental Volunteer Program. A
six monthly volunteer calendar is produced and distributed
through Council Citizen Centres, Libraries, The Watershed and
the Marrickville Community Nursery. Recruitment of volunteers
also occurs through volunteer information evenings which are
held twice a year.
Council has also supported the project by applying for and
administering grants, and plans to continue this.
An increase in budget would allow the Bushcare Supervisor
more hours to undertake administrative tasks and on
ground tasks that are not suitable for volunteers.
to gradually expand the work area, but it is unlikely that
the entire remnant will receive attention within the next 5
years. Large sections e.g. the Palm Patch, North West Corner,
The Island, Obelisk Patch and Southern Edge will therefore
remain weedy for some time.
Leaving sections unworked is preferable to attempting to
control weeds without adequate resources for follow up.
However, while areas remain unworked, and weedy, there
may be a temptation to mow them for aesthetic reasons
– and this will compromise their habitat value and could
damage the plants themselves.
There are currently a number of competent bush
regenerators among the Friends who work regularly. This
means that the group can carry out the range of tasks
required, including the more difficult ones such as removing
weed grasses from patches of mixed native grasses.
However, there is no guarantee that this will always be the
case. A lack of skilled people may severely limit the groups’
progress because only the easier tasks will be carried out.
Options are:
Recommendation
Continue to inform Councillors and the community about
the project, via reports, invitations to events, copies of
newsletters, etc.
1. Current approach
Resourcing
Accept that much of the remnant will not be restored in
the near future because the area of remnant vegetation
requiring work is beyond the resources of the current group
of Friends. Accept that the groups’ output may fluctuate.
Existing resources: Council Budget.
2. Recruit more Friends
Grant Funding/Sponsorship
There are some gaps in resourcing, which could potentially
be filled with grant funds or sponsorship.
Recommendation:
•
•
Keep up-to-date with funding opportunities:
government grants, philanthropic trusts, business
sponsorship. Make applications to appropriate
funding sources.
Investigate sponsorship. Consider what benefits
may be offered to a potential sponsor such as
advertising. Consider including invitations for
sponsorship on publicity material. Approach
Marrickville Chamber of Commerce or other local
business organisations to discuss sponsorship
possibilities.
This will continue to be done by word of mouth but
currently only replaces those who have left. A more active
campaign may attract an increasing number of volunteers.
There is, however, a limit to the number of Friends that can
be effectively catered for by one Supervisor, particularly
if there are many beginners. It may be necessary to limit
the number of volunteer on site at any one time or provide
extra supervision.
3. Expand the Supervisor’s job to include some
additional bush regeneration work
4. Contract works to compliment volunteer project
Employ contract bush regenerators to work in specific areas
or on specific tasks outside the current capability of the
Friends group but within the guidelines of the Restoration
Strategy.
Recommendation
Resourcing
Investigate funding to resource Option 2, 3 and 4.
Existing resources: Supervisor, Steering Committee,
volunteers.
Expansion of area being restored
Much of the Kangaroo Grassland is not currently being
worked, and is unlikely to be for many years. The current
rate of volunteer input will probably be enough to maintain
the areas that are already in reasonably good condition and
Resourcing
Unresourced. Possible options: apply for grants/ seek
sponsorship.
Record keeping
Reporting, along with monitoring, is a valuable part of the
project providing:
28
•
•
•
•
•
Assistance with evaluating different approaches.
A contribution to the wider restoration knowledge
base.
Information for reporting e.g. to funding bodies
and sponsors.
Evidence for funding applications, showing the
project is well managed and well supported.
An historical record.
Promotional tools such as newsletters and council reports
can also serve as record keeping. The Supervisor’s monthly
reports combined with Steering Committee minutes have
so far formed the primary record of the project’s progress.
A regular newsletter is an effective way of promoting the
project and maintaining a connection with volunteers, and
also serves as a public record of events and achievements.
Repeat the mapping after 2 or 3 years and update as
necessary
Resourcing
Unresourced. Possible options: Grants /sponsorship
/ volunteer contribution / partnerships with TAFE or
University students.
Condition of remnant
A baseline condition assessment is required so that future
restoration outcomes can be accurately measured.
Recommendation
•
Recommendations
•
•
•
•
•
The Bushcare Supervisor to continue to complete a
report for each workday.
An annual report to be prepared summarising the
year's activities and progress.
Friends Newsletters to include project updates so
they form chapters of the project's story.
Annual reports, newsletters and other materials to
be made available on the Council's website and in
the Local History section of the local libraries.
Updates of the Restoration Strategy to include
a summary of activities and issues since the last
review.
Resourcing
Existing resources: Marrickville Council staff.
Unresourced: Review of Strategy 5 yearly.
Site assessment and monitoring
Area of remnant
As of December 2006, the site has been unmown for
sometime, making it possible for a more accurate
assessment of the area of remnant vegetation. Accurate
mapping is important as baseline data and will assist with
monitoring and reporting.
The current map gives a general idea of the extent of the
remnant areas, but is not detailed enough for monitoring
gradual advancement or retreat of the remnant, or for
accurately locating particular areas within the remnant.
•
•
•
•
Assess condition of the remnant areas, e.g.
percentage cover of weeds and native plants for
each of the work areas or parts of work areas. Four
condition classes would be adequate - this has
proven to be a workable and useful system on other
regeneration sites.
Plot condition data on a map in an accessible way,
e.g. using colour coding.
Monitor the entire site for additional areas of
remnant—do this at least annually but particularly
after disturbances such as fire.
Identify and record species present in each area.
Continue to incorporate into “Planting the Seed
Data Base and Mapping Project.
Reassess the 2001 Monitoring
Quadrats
16 quadrats were set up and assessed in 2001 as part of a
UTS student project, to establish baseline condition data for
the Kangaroo Grassland (Chivers et al 2001- see Appendix 5,
page 60). It would be interesting to monitor the quadrats
again and compare their condition to 2001.
Some additional variables should be noted: between
November 2001 and December 2006, quadrats 2, 12, 8, and 10
were burned. Quadrats 1, 2, and 14 have probably been hand
weeded. Others may or may not have been weeded.
Recommendations
Reassess the quadrats using original methodology if
resourcing becomes available.
Resourcing
Unresourced. Possible options: Student project /volunteer
contribution.
Recommendations
Prepare an accurate detailed map using survey
equipment or sub 500mm GPS to clearly identify:
•
•
•
areas of remnant vegetation,
tracks and other features (preferably all
monuments),
trees and other historic plantings to be retained.
Photographic monitoring
Photographic monitoring can provide a detailed and
valuable record of changes in site condition over time and
can tell the continuing story of the project in a visual way.
It is also very useful in promotional material. However it
is time consuming and requires particular skills, care, and
equipment—these may not always be available.
29
Regular monitoring should be recommenced if possible .
Damage to monuments
Previous photographic monitoring of burned areas
would be particularly useful to follow up. Most of these
shots focus on an area of a few square metres and some
show groundlayer detail. Of particlar value are those with
consistant framing that can be lined up as before and after
shots (see pages 41 and 47).
Woody historic plantings such as Crepe Myrtle may be
slowly damaging monuments they are growing close to.
Photographs are available of the 14 quadrats set up as part
of the UTS Student project taken on July 02, December 02,
March 03, June 03, February 04, July 04 and September
04. (Chivers et al , 2001 - see Appendix 5, page 60). They
should be considered as ongoing photo monitoring points,
although it would be time consuming, and probably not
necessary to continue all of them.
Recommendations
•
•
•
•
Recommendations
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Decide on an appropriate set of photo monitoring
points (5 to 10, depending on resources). To
provide continuity, use areas that have been
photographed previously, if they fit the criteria:
Choose locations that reflect the variety of
conditions on the site, e.g. remnant edge, thick
native grasses, zones of mixed native and weed
species.
Include permanent features that can be used to
line up future shots, e.g. monuments, or trees.
Include some shots that focus on a small area,
say a few square metres of ground, with sufficient
resolution to identify individual small plants.
Include other shots that take in a wider area.
Produce a map of the photo points.
Take photos regularly (twice a year is
recommended) and ensure they:
Have consistent framing, lighting, focal length (a
previous photo can serve as a reference to ensure
the shot is framed correctly – it is usually not
sufficient to stand in a fixed spot and take the shot
in a set direction).
Have adequate sharpness and depth of field.
Avoid high contrast lighting e.g. an overcast day.
Resourcing
Unresourced. Possible options: volunteer contribution
Spread of Historic Plantings
Recommendations
Where remnant native species and historic plantings are
present together, try to monitor the spread of the historic
plantings with photographs or by plotting and then
replotting them every 6 months or so on a mud map. Use
monument names to help identify their location.
Resourcing
Unresourced. Possible options: volunteer contribution,
Communication between major
stakeholders
Camperdown Cemetery Trust, Friends of Camperdown
Cemetery, Marrickville Council, St Stephen’s Church
administration, congregation and grounds committee, all
have an important role in ensuring the Kangaroo Grassland
and historic plantings are properly managed. An effective
working relationship between these stakeholders is vital
and needs ongoing nurturing and attention.
Current Cemetery management practices have minimal
impact on the remnant vegetation and historic grave
plantings. However, irreparable damage could be done
in a very short time if, for example, herbicide is used
inappropriately or regenerating areas are mown too close
to the ground or if a new keen Cemetery maintenance
person, who does not know about the project, decides
to carry out some intensive “tidying up”. These potentially
destructive activities can be well intentioned but done in
ignorance of the sensitivities of the area.
Effective communication between the Friends group and
people involved in general Cemetery maintenance is very
important. In particular, there needs to be an effective
system to inform the Friends group of any change in
Cemetery maintenance personnel.
Recommendations
•
•
Resourcing
Unresourced. Possible options: Supervisor / volunteer
contribution.
Select situations where damage may occur
over time, e.g. woody plant growing close to a
monument with possibility of cracking and tipping
if it continues to grow.
Select features to monitor e.g. length and width of
cracks, angle of leaning monument.
Monitor every 12 months or as required, with
measurements and /or photographs.
If concerned about destabilisation or other possible
damage to monuments, seek expert advice.
•
•
Make a presentation to the Camperdown Cemetery
Trust in 2007, to discuss the project and the new
strategy.
Maintain an open invitation for a church
representative to attend Steering Committee
meetings.
Organise parishioners tours at least annually.
Spring and Autumn are good times.
Provide Kangaroo Grassland project information
for the Parish notice board.
30
•
•
•
Provide regular information about the project, e.g.
copies of Friends Newsletters, for parishioners and
visitors to take away.
Organise occasional combined work days with
Friends of the Kangaroo Grassland and Historic
Plantings Friends group and general Cemetery
maintenance people.
Include liaison meetings with parishioners and
Cemetery maintenance people as part of the
Bushcare Supervisor's job with the aim of ensuring
an effective working relationship. Hold at least 2
meetings each year.
Resourcing
Existing Resources: Supervisor / Steering Committee/
volunteers.
Community education and
promotion
The Cemetery’s natural and cultural heritage is vulnerable
to intentional and accidental mistreatment, e.g. vandalism,
herbicide spraying, burning, trampling. Much of this
damage can probably be prevented if the community is
informed about the value of the site and how to avoid
damaging it.
Awareness of the project will also assist with recruitment
and retention of volunteers and may also assist with
sponsorship.
Resourcing
Interpretive sign—unresourced. Possible options: grants
/sponsorship.
An A-frame sign: Council budget / grants /sponsorship.
Formal protection
The significance of Camperdown Cemetery has been
formally recognised by the NSW Heritage Council, but the
listing only describes the built heritage. The Kangaroo
Grassland remnant was only identified after the site was
listed.
Recommendations
•
•
•
Apply to the NSW Heritage Council to have the
Sydney Turpentine-Ironbark Forest remnant added
to the description of the site's significant features.
Reapproach the Department of Environment and
Climate Changes's Threatened Species Unit to
apply for a Section 132C licence to carry out bush
regeneration activities in an Endangered Ecological
Community (as encouraged by law). Ask the
appropriate Officer if the Cemetery's STIF remnant
could be added to DECC's records.
Offer to send the appropriate DECC Threatened
Species Officer a copy of the new Camperdown
Plantings Strategy for 2007-2011 (including the
Review of 2002-2006).
Recommendations
Resourcing
The NSW Heritage Office should be consulted and
apropriate permission sought if any structures or signs
are proposed for the Cemetery grounds.
Existing resources: Steering Committee / Camperdown
Cemetery Trust.
•
•
•
•
•
•
Provide on-site information and maintain the
supply of brochures for site visitors.
Nominate the project for appropriate awards.
Write one or two press releases a year.
Provide information about the project on Council's
website.
Investigate options for installing interpretive
signage on site:
•
Fixed to the sandstone wall (permission from
the NSW Heritage Council may be required).
•
At the church entrance.
•
On a large sandstone or concrete block .
•
With posts in the ground (with permission from
the NSW Heritage Council).
Portable sign for Friends group. Make a sign e.g.
A-frame, to use during workdays. Suggested
wording: “The Friends of Camperdown Cemetery
are restoring the Kangaroo Grassland and
Historic Plantings. For more information take a
brochure or talk to us or ring Marrickville Council’s
Environmental Education Officer on 9335 2222.”
The Plume Grass Patch
31
Managing threats
This section describes the issues or processes that are
damaging, or may damage the Kangaroo Grassland
remnant and historic plantings, and recommends actions
to avoid or limit the damage. If the various threats are
managed, it is likely that the Kangaroo Grassland and
historic plantings will be retained in a healthy condition
well into the future.
Mowing
•
•
•
•
•
All stakeholders must be made aware of the extent
of the remnant, by being provided with a map or
invited on a site tour.
The Steering Committee needs to discuss an
appropriate arrangement for mowing nonremnant areas.
Where an area to be mown adjoins a remnant area,
e.g. around The Island and the Wattle Grove, the
Bushcare Supervisor should regularly mow a strip
immediately adjacent to the remnant to create a
buffer and delineate the remnant boundary.
Resourcing
Mowing, slashing and whipper snippering can damage
areas containing native plants by:
•
•
Causing physical damage which may kill native
grasses and herbs.
Compacting the soil reducing plant access to
moisture and oxygen and inhibiting plant root
growth.
Encouraging foot traffic and trampling over native
remnant plants.
Spreading weed seed across the site.
Monuments, can also be damaged in this way - particularly
those close to ground level that may not be visible under
long grass.
However, mowing has been an established practice in
parts of the Cemetery for many years, and mowing at least
part of the site is likely to remain an objective of the Trust.
Many visitors are used to the well maintained appearance
achieved by regular mowing, and they may not like the
"uncontrolled" look of the Kangaroo Grassland. Regular
mowing of non-remnant areas should help offset these
negative perceptions.
Ideally, none of the area containing Kangaroo Grassland
species should be mown.
Remnant areas are not marked, so it is difficult for an
uninformed or inexperienced person to recognise remnant
patches. There is potential for Cemetery maintenance staff
to inadvertently damage the Kangaroo Grassland while
mowing other parts of the grounds.
The Bushcare Supervisor currently mows tracks through
the main remnant. Parts of the Propeller Patch are mown
for public access and visual amenity, as well as weed
control. An area under the Melaleuca in the Microlaena
Patch is mown for weed control and access.
The amount of mowing required varies seasonally, and is
more frequent in warm wet weather and less often in cold
or dry weather.
Partly resourced: Supervisor, Steering Committee,
Trampling and tracks
The Cemetery is used by many visitors and people are used
to accessing most of the area. If adequate access is not
provided, visitors are likely to make their own tracks.
Trampling (by humans and dogs):
•
•
Compacts the soil reducing plant access to moisture
and oxygen and inhibiting root growth.
Damages remnant and regenerating native plants.
Recommendations
•
•
•
•
Provide public education and signage about the
damage caused to existing and regenerating
native plants by trampling - include information in
self-guided tour brochure.
Maintain informal tracks in areas with no or few
native species - regularly mow the track network
to make it clear where the tracks are and ensure
the track entrances are obvious.
Block off inappropriate walking tracks with
branches - consider using temporary signage to
explain the changes.
Rehabilitate compacted areas within or adjacent to
the remnant. Aerate the soil with a fork - preferably
after rain. Consider collecting Kangaroo Grass seed
from areas where it is plentiful. This could be done
as part of "dethatching." (also see Disturbance
regimes page 33) and broadcasting it in areas that
have been forked over.
Resourcing
Existing resources : friends, Supervisor, Steering Committee.
Recommendations
•
•
Parts of the Cemetery grounds containing
Kangaroo Grassland plants should not be mown
except to maintain appropriate pathways.
If any part of the Kangaroo Grassland is to be
mown it must be done on the highest setting.
There has been a particular problem in this zone where
people are cutting the corner and a distinct track has been
formed through the remnant plants.
32
Recommendations
Emsure appropriate paths are regularly maintained.
If this problem continues, and if permission can be
obtained from the NSW Heritage Office:
•
•
•
Install a timber or iron bollard with a sign such as
“native plant regeneration area please keep off ". It
may be acceptable to put a post in the ground if it
is on the edge of the carriageway.
Consider installing a sandstone or iron bench seat
at the edge of the carriageway across the section
where people cut the corner.
Consider placing sandstone blocks, or bollards
to form an edging to the cut corner. Also provide
adequate signage to indicate that the main track is
further to the west (as the entrance to this track is
hidden by headstones).
Resourcing
Mostly unresourced–possible options: Camperdown
Cemetery Trust, seek grants &/or sponsorship.
Dogs
The Cemetery is popular with dog walkers, however some
owners let their dogs run free and don’t pick up their dogs
droppings. This causes problems because dog faeces can:
•
•
•
•
Damage and may kill native plants.
Raise phosphorus levels in the soil, this in turn
favours the growth of weed species.
Make visiting the Cemetery unhealthy and
unpleasant.
Make weeding unhealthy and unpleasant.
Recommendations
(The NSW Heritae Office should be consulted and
apropriate permission sought if any structures or signs
are prpoosed for the Cemetery Grounds.)
•
•
•
•
•
Install public education signage about the
problems to humans and vegetation created by
non-removal of dog faeces.
Make the Cemetery an on-leash area or, at least,
the remnant vegetation zones.
Consider providing dog faeces bags in the
Cemetery grounds.
Consult with the Camperdown Cemetery Trust,
Marrickville Council and the local dog walking
community about the impacts of dog faeces
and trampling, on-leash dog walking areas and
providing dog faeces disposal bags, bins and
signage at the entrance to the Cemetery.
Continue to pick up dog faeces before starting
restoration work.
Camperdown Cemetery Trust. Possible options: Grants
/sponsorship.
Herbicide use
Although herbicide can be a valuable weed control tool,
inappropriate herbicide use can kill or damage non-target
plants.
Recommendations
Request that there is no use of herbicide within the
Cemetery grounds without prior consultation with the
Bushcare Supervisor.
Disturbance regimes
To maintain the health of the Kangaroo Grassland it may be
necessary to replicate natural disturbance regimes.
Kangaroo Grass has evolved to tolerate regular disturbance
of the kind produced by fire, grazing, burrowing animals,
etc. It responds well to appropriate disturbances (if they
are not too frequent) with vigorous growth and seed
production. Too long without disturbance, and tussocks
become thick with a thatch of dead leaves, and seed
production slows.
The regeneration of many native plants from the soil
seedbank is triggered by heat, smoke, soil movement,
and light reaching the ground. Without these triggers,
regeneration may slow or stop.
To ensure the Grassland continues to flourish and can
tolerate occasional accidental fires, patchiness and variety
are important. For example, only part of the site (ideally
no more than one third) should be recovering from fire
(with plants in a juvenile, non-seeding state) at any one
time. Native plants in other sections should be mature
and producing seed. At least half the site should remain
unburned for 5 to 7 years.
Recommendations
•
•
•
Record the site of unplanned fires and incorporate
them into management of the site (this may
provide an adequate level of disturbance).
Rake areas of thick, dead grass thatch with a nail
rake or Mcleod tool. Spread seed-bearing Themeda
stems in bare areas.
Consider replicating fire by using a flame weeder
in small patches (probably no more than 100 m2
depending on resources for maintenance). This
would need specific approval from the Cemetery
Trust. The NSW Fire brigade should be notified.
Other approvals may be required.
Resourcing
Some existing resources: Supervisor, Friends, Steering
Committee, possibly grants /sponsorship.
Resourcing
Some existing resources: volunteers, Supervisor,
33
Unplanned fires
Managing historic plantings
Small fires have sometimes been accidentally or
deliberately lit in the Cemetery. Occasional fire is a natural
ecological process in Sydney Turpentine-Ironbark Forest,
and plants are adapted to survive it. However if fires occur
too frequently, it can damage native plant communities.
Historic plantings occur over much of the site, often
together with Kangaroo Grassland species. They range from
small groundcovers such as Oxalis, to large trees such as
Brush Box and Chinese Elm.
Fires in the Cemetery are a problem because:
•
If they occur too frequently, plants may not be able
to grow to maturity and produce seed.
•
They leave the soil open to weed infestation.
•
They may blacken and split sandstone monuments.
•
They may get out of control and threaten nearby life
and property.
Fires may be less frequent now that the Cemetery Trust has
installed gates that restrict public access to the Cemetery
at night.
Recommendations
•
•
•
Use public education to discourage careless use of
fire.
Maintain a presence of local people caring for the
Cemetery.
The monument nicknamed “the incinerator” is
regularly used for storing and occasionally burning
garbage. Its box shape and metal lid with central
hole resembles a garbage bin, and many visitors
are in the habit of using it as such. Fires can escape
and spread from this monument. Blocking the
hole with a fixed solid lid would prevent garbage
being dropped in. It may be possible to re-fit the
original metal cover. Alternatively a marine ply cap
has been suggested by Michael Lehaney.
Resourcing
Many will need care and protection at various stages of
their lifecycle to keep them healthy, and prevent them
damaging monuments, or causing a public safety risk.
Some particular issues are:
•
Low branches of some Melalucas restrict access
underneath e.g. for mowing paths. They may require
canopy lifting (by pruning lower branches).
•
Low branches of the large Chinese Elm are brushing
against monuments. These may require removal.
•
The Oaks are in poor health.
•
The health of all trees need to be monitored
particularly if there are branches that may fall and
cause injury. These need to be removed or access to
the area restricted.
•
Roses may require occasional pruning, and possible
pest management.
Some historic plantings require ongoing active
management to stop them spreading in the Kangaroo
Grassland - these issues are discussed in the next section:
Weeds and invasive plantings.
The management of trees in the Cemetery is generally the
responsibility of the Camperdown Cemetery Trust, however
the Steering Committee, Friends and Bushcare Supervisor
will assist where possible.
Recommendations
•
•
•
Some existing resources: Cemetery Trust for repair of
‘incinerator’ monument.
Possible options: sponsorship/ grant funding.
Seek specialist advice on tree management.
Prepare a Tree Management Plan as part of a plan of
management for the entire Cemetery.
Seek assistance from TAFE Arboriculture classes to
carry out works.
Resourcing
Some existing resources: volunteers, Supervisor. Possible
options: Camperdown Cemetery Trust, Grants /sponsorship
The Historic Planting Zone 2006
34
Weeds and invasive plantings
Recommendations
•
See list on page 38
Invasive plants are a serious threat to the Kangaroo
Grassland. These include weeds that were accidentally
introduced as well as planted species that spread into new
areas. Some of the historic plants are species that grow
vigorously and are usually treated as invasive weeds in
bushland, e.g. Watsonia, Ixia and Blue Periwinkle.
•
Weeds need to be contained and if possible eradicated.
Problem plantings need active management to contain
them and prevent them overgrowing and possibly
outcompeting the remnant species such as Kangaroo Grass
and Dianella.
•
Even if the grassland is protected from damage by clearing,
mowing and herbicide spraying, weeds and problem
plantings will continue to degrade it by:
Outcompeting and replacing remnant and
regenerating native plants and historic grave
plantings.
•
Overshading. This changes the environmental
conditions (e.g. raises soil moisture levels, reduces
light levels) and produces unfavourable conditions
for native woodland groundcover species. The
existing planted and self-seeded tree species create
a denser canopy than Sydney Turpentine - Ironbark
Forest species. Remnant grassland species struggle
to survive under these trees.
Weeds can also destabilise monuments and cause the
grassland to look uncared for, making the Cemetery a less
pleasant and safe place to visit.
•
•
•
•
•
Remove invasive weeds using appropriate bush
regeneration techniques.
It is essential that work carried out using bush
regeneration techniques receive regular follow
up treatment such as hand weeding. If works are
being carried out by a volunteer group, the follow
up required must be within the time constraints
and physical capabilities of the group.
Weeding should only be carried out by
appropriately trained and experienced people, or
inexperienced people under supervision.
Herbicide must only be used according to the
manufacturer's directions and by someone
appropriately trained in the use of herbicide and
also in correct plant identification.
Although the aim is to restore priority areas to
a weed-free condition, the work may be carried
out by a volunteer bush regeneration group who
have limited time. Therefore, weed grasses such as
Ehrharta and Couch may have to be accepted at
a low level. In such cases, work can aim to reduce
the density of their infestation and prevent their
spread into adjacent areas.
Care must be taken with weed removal adjacent
to monuments. If depressions are caused in the
soil, water may pool and cause rising damp.
Carefully fill in any depressions with nearby soil. If
concerned about destabilisation or other possible
damage to monuments, seek further advice.
Weeds can be tied up or bagged and removed
from the site or composted within the Cemetery
grounds. Consult with Council regarding removal.
Small amounts of non-seed bearing material such
as grass seedlings can be left on site.
Resourcing
Mostly existing resources: volunteers/Supervisor.
Weed control techniques:
Cut and paint. Useful for Woody Weeds when they are
too large to hand pull without disturbance, e.g. Privet,
Cotoneaster. Also a useful technique for large nodes of
established vines such as Honeysuckle. Work carefully
when woody weeds are close to historic monuments such
as headstones.
Scrape and paint. In the case of Mickey Mouse plant,
Green Cestrum and Camphor Laurel, the woody stems
are to be scraped with a knife and the wound painted
with undiluted herbicide containing glyphosate. Remove
when dead. Work carefully when woody weeds are close to
historic monuments such as headstones.
Hand pulling. Useful for shallow rooted grasses, e.g. Briza,
Bromus, also annuals such as Sow Thistle, Bidens, and
seedlings such as Privet.
Pulling up runners, cutting and digging. Useful for vines
such as Honeysuckle, and stoloniferous grasses such as
Kikuyu. Often used in combination with cut and paint.
Volunteers weeding around a Dianella 2006
35
Crowning with knife. Useful for Asparagus Fern and most
grasses, e.g. Ehrharta, Parramatta Grass.
•
Dig out with hand trowel. Useful for weeds with
underground reproductive structures such as Watsonia,
Dandelion.
Spraying. Should be kept to an absolute minimum and
only carried out by the Supervisor. It is probably only
required for established Kikuyu which is very difficult to dig
out. To reduce the damage to non-target species, pull up
the Kikuyu runners that have spread among native plants,
gather them up, tie them in a compact knot and spray
this knot. Shield native plants with plastic or cardboard if
necessary.
Remove seed heads to prevent spread. For example,
remove Watsonia seed after flowering but before seed drop
in late autumn.
Herbicide translocation
There have been reports of some Kangaroo Grass plants on
site losing colour and becoming unhealthy after adjacent
Couch was sprayed with a herbicide contain glyphosate,
even though care was taken to avoid drift. (Nikki Greenyer
pers com). This may be a sign of translocation through the
plant roots.
Care should be taken when applying herbicide, and
observations made over the following months, to
determine if there has been any translocation. If the
problem becomes more widespread or serious, it may be
necessary to try alternative herbicides or reduce the use of
herbicides.
Translocation is not currently considered to be a reason to
avoid glyphosate use because:
•
•
•
•
Glyphosate has been used successfully on Couch
and Kikuyu on site without off-target damage.
The damage that occurred was limited to a small
number of plants.
Any damage would be short term - glyphosate
doesn’t have a long active life in soil.
Controlling Couch and Kikuyu by other methods
is not practical as it involves digging. It is labour
intensive, and may disturb buried remains and
destabilise monuments.
Categories of weeds, and how to
manage them
Woody weeds
The woody weeds in the Cemetery include common
problem species such as Privet, along with some of the
planted specimens that have self-seeded and spread.
Some are attractive and benign, others are destabilising
monuments and outcompeting remnant grasses and
groundcovers. In these latter situations the plants are
unwanted and need to be removed using the appropriate
techniques. This includes specimens of Chinese Elm,
Albizia, Canary Island Date Palm, Podocarpus, Jacaranda,
Celtis, fruit trees, plus non-local, self-seeding native species
such as Brushbox and Paperbarks.
The removal of woody weeds will increase light levels
and promote the regeneration of native grasses and
groundcovers.
The identification and treatment of woody weeds (such as
African Olive and Small-leaf Privet) is quite straight forward
and is ideal for new and inexperienced volunteers. Care
must be taken, however, when treating woody weeds
adjacent to monuments, to prevent destabilisation or other
damage.
It is very important to limit soil disturbance to the soil
surface, at least to the first few centimetres, and not disturb
deeper levels by pulling out the roots of established woody
weeds, etc.
Recommendations
•
•
•
•
Spreading historic grave plantings
Recommendations
•
As a rule of thumb, where remnant native species
and historic plantings are present together,
contain historic plantings within the grave sites
they were planted in. If the spreading historic
plantings are found to be degrading the Kangaroo
Grassland, remove any juvenile specimens and
remove other specimens back to a dense edge of
historic plantings (i.e. a ’bed’ or gravesite).
Blue Periwinkle spreads particularly fast. It is well
represented in non-remnant areas of the Cemetery
where it is the dominant groundcover, so it is not
as important to retain extensive patches of this
species in the management zones.
•
•
Remove woody weed seedlings regularly as they
appear, to prevent their establishment in or near
sunny, grassy, open areas of remnant vegetation.
Following consultation, stage the long-term
removal of unwanted, inappropriate, mature
planted and self-seeded trees from the remnant.
Follow guidelines in Council’s Tree Preservation
Order (TPO).
If removing dead Acacia parramattensis trunks
from the Wattle Grove, great care must be taken
to prevent damage to the mostly horizontal
monuments.
Over time, aim to remove all exotic (excluding
identified historic plantings) and/or alien native
shrubs and trees which have self-seeded in
the remnant areas and which are overshading
remnant native plants, destabilising monuments
and, for those which have berries which are birdcarried, infesting nearby parks and gardens.
Cut back Cotoneaster overhanging the sandstone
wall annually before seeding.
Seek a commitment from Council to remove
Cotoneaster adjacent to the Cemetery wall, or
prune them, or reduce their number.
36
•
If destabilising or other possible damage to
monuments is a concern (it is recommended that
this be monitored), seek further advice.
Resourcing
Some existing resources: volunteers/Supervisor.
Additional support possibly from Ryde (and other) TAFEs,
Vines and scramblers
These weeds are usually best removed by hand - digging
out each node where it has developed roots. Some can be
sprayed with herbicide, however nodes will often reshoot
after spraying and follow up work is required. Some vines
can be treated by scraping the stem and painting the
scraped area with undiluted glyphosate herbicide.
Bulbs and plants with underground reproductive
parts
These weeds, including all bulbs or reproductive parts in
the soil, can be removed by hand, bagged and taken off the
site. Hand weed carefully around native plants and historic
plantings. Use of herbicide between flowering and fruiting
can be effective. Herbicide must only be employed when
no native species or historic plantings will be affected.
Herbaceous weeds
These weeds can be removed by hand, loosening the weed
roots with a knife or a narrow blade trowel. Hand weed
carefully around native plants and historic plantings. Where
there are no native plants or historic plantings present, spot
spray with a dilute glyphosate herbicide.
Weed grasses
These weeds can be removed by hand, loosening the weed
roots with a knife or a narrow blade trowel. Hand weed
carefully around native plants and historic plantings. Where
there are no native plants or historic plantings present,
spot spray with a dilute glyphosate herbicide. Scrape and
paint Kikuyu rhizome regrowth with undiluted glyphosate
herbicide.
Parramatta Grass / Slender Rats Tail Grass hybrids.
In Camperdown Cemetery, the local native species Slender
Rat’s Tail Grass, Sporobolus creber, is hybridising with the
closely related South African import Parramatta Grass,
Sporobolus africanus.
This presents a dilemma as there is no clear line between
the weed and the native. Some specimens are clearly
Parramatta Grass and should be removed. Others have a
mix of characteristics of both species.
It may be possible to decide on a cut off point that can be
clearly measured, to differentiate almost pure S. creber (to
be kept) from the more mixed specimens (to be removed).
Expert advice should be sought to help develop a practical
and ecologically sound approach to this problem.
Noxious weeds
Some weeds are listed as noxious, in various different
categories, under state legislation administered by the
Department of Primary Industries. It is the responsibility
of each land manager or owner, which in this case is
Camperdown Cemetery Trust (as land managers), to
undertake the appropriate control measures.
Three weeds found in the Cemetery, Green Cestrum, Bridal
Creeper and non native Oxalis species are listed as noxious
in Marrickville Local Government area (see table page 38 ,
and Appendix 7).
Ehrharta growing at the edge of a monument 2006
37
List of weeds and invasive plantings
Based on lists from Ondinea 2002, Restoration Strategy for Camperdown Cemetery Kangaroo Grasslands and Historic Plantings.
* Added since 2002
Woody weeds
*Albizia species
Cestrum parqui
Cinnamomum camphora
Cotoneaster glaucophyllus
Lagerstroemia indica
Ligustrum lucidum
Ligustrum sinense
Ochna serrulata
Olea europaea subsp. africana
Senna pendula
Ulmus chinensis
Green Cestrum
Camphor laurel
Cotoneaster
Crepe Myrtle (historic planting)
Large-leaved Privet
Small-leaved Privet
Mickey Mouse Plant, Ochna
African Olive
Cassia/Senna
Chinese Elm (historic planting)
Vines and scramblers
Asparagus aethiopicus
*Asparagus asparagoides
Asparagus Fern
Bridal Creeper
Bulbs and plants with underground reproductive parts
Agapanthus africanus
Ageratina adenophora
Crososmia x crocosmiifolia
Nephrolepis cordifolia
*Nothoscordum borbonicum
Oxalis species
Tritonia longiflora
Watsonia bulbillifera
Agapanthus (historic planting)
Crofton Weed
Montbretia (historic planting)
Fishbone Fern
Onion weed
Pink Oxalis (historic planting)
Cream Ixia (historic planting)
Wild or Common Watsonia (historic planting)
Herbaceous Weeds
Conyza species
Gnaphalium species
Hypochoeris radicata
Plantago species
Solanum nigrum
Sonchus oleraceus
Taraxacum officinale
Verbena rigida ?
Fleabane
Cudweed
Flatweed
Plantain
Blackberry Nightshade
Sow Thistle
Dandelion
Verbena (historic planting)
Grasses
Briza maxima
Cynodon dactylon
Cyperus rotundus
Ehrharta erecta
Paspalum dilatatum
Pennisetum clandestinum
Poa annua
Sporobolus africanus
Stenotaphrum secundatum
Quaking Grass
Common Couch
Nut Grass
Panic Veldt Grass
Paspalum
Kikuyu
Winter Grass
Parramatta Grass
Buffalo Grass
Noxious Weeds
Weed Species
Control Category
Bridal Creeper Asparagus asparagoides
5 The requirements in the Noxious Weeds Act 1993 for a
notifiable weed must be complied with
Green Cestrum Cestrum parqui
3 Plant must be fully and continuously suppressed and destroyed
Oxalis species (includes all Oxalis species and varieties
except the native species O. chnoodes, O. exilis, O.
perennans, O. radicosa, O. rubens, and O. thompsoniae)
5 The requirements in the Noxious Weeds Act 1993 for a
notifiable weed must be complied with
38
Pests and diseases
Development
There are various insects, fungi and bacteria that could
damage The Kangaroo Grassland and historic plantings..
Although the Cemetery grounds are heritage listed and
their significance widely recognised, they may still be
subject to development proposals which may impact the
health and longevity of the Kangaroo Grassland remnant.
For example, in 2000 the Camperdown Memorial Rest
Park Master Plan included a recommendation to create
openings in the sandstone walls of the Cemetery. This
was to improve connectedness with the surrounding
Camperdown Rest Park and to help reduce vandalism
within the Cemetery grounds. The proposal was not
favorably received, particularly by the Church and wider
community, and did not go ahead.
The only immediate threat is the disease Phytophthora
cinnamomi. It is spread mainly in soil and water, and can
cause the death of mature trees and other plants. It is not
known to occur in the Cemetery, but there have been a
number of outbreaks in Sydney Harbour Catchment, and
protocols to stop its spread are in place on many Sydney
bush regeneration sites and in plant nurseries.
The Cemetery is not affected by the major risk factors of
moist soil and urban runoff, and is unlikely to get infected.
Also the plants that are known to be most vulnerable e.g.
Angophora costata and Xanthorrea are not present on site.
However, because of the high number of visitors to the site,
there is a possibility it could be brought in on shoes that
have been worn on an infected site.
Recommendations
•
•
Recommendations
In the planning stages, include the Steering Committee
and other interested people in discussions about any
plans that may affect the Cemetery, such as the opening
of the wall, to consider the impact on the remnant
vegetation and the restoration project.
People working on site should use the tools
provided, or if bringing tools used in other areas
should wash them in a bleach solution.
It is not possible to ensure all visitors have clean
footwear, but Friends and others connected with
the project should be aware of Phytophthora and
avoid wearing dirty shoes on site.
Resourcing
Mostly existing resources: volunteers/Supervisor.
2006
39
Section 4 Project review
2002 - 2006
This section was compiled in 2006/7 based on Council
reports, newsletters and other records, site visits,
attendance at workdays, and consultations with people
involved in the project including Danie Ondinea (Project
steering committee) Nell Graham (Marrickvile Council),
Nikki Greenyer (Marrickville Council Bushcare Supervisor),
Briony Magoffin (Marrickville Council Bushcare Supervisor),
Judy Meacham (Marrickville Council Bushcare Supervisor),
Peter Rodgers (Reverend St. Stephens Church), , and
members of the Friends group.
The project is generally regarded as being successful, and
looks to have a secure future with a strong Friends group,
good communication between stakeholders and recurrent
funding from Marrickville Council.
The key objectives of the project have been met:
•
•
•
•
•
Most of the remnant has been protected from major
threats such as mowing.
A Friends group was founded and has worked
consistently to improve the health of the remnant.
Grant funding was obtained to provide a Supervisor
for the Friends group, and cover other project
expenses. Ongoing funding has been allocated by
Marrickville council.
The Steering Committee has met regularly (3
monthly).
Many people are aware of the project because
of open days, media releases, reports to Council,
word of mouth and encounters with the group on
workdays.
committed group of volunteers….there is a huge local
energy……a lot of people think there won’t be much green
left around and they want to be there making sure this
piece survives and improves. Many people live in a unit or
semi with no garden - so they take this on - it’s their way to
protect the environment.”
Danie Ondinea described it as ”a positive and upbeat
project, Its a nice place to work. It’s a small project – not
overwhelming – it seemed do-able to the people in
the group. The fact that it was a well loved site made a
difference - a place that had a profile. There was already a
high public awareness - a chance to spread the word.”
According to Danie, the project has been successful
because “there was a clear vision and a strategy to follow,
and there was always good support and training for the
Friends group – and a good Supervisor. Because there
was a Steering Committee of interested people, there was
always a chance to talk things out – to work out the best
approach –the Supervisor didn’t feel like they were on their
own.
There were people with expertise involved from the
beginning, who were willing to lend their support – like
Doug Benson, who spoke at the launch and people with
heritage expertise. Not all projects have that range of
people you can go to for advice.
Increasingly the Church community has become involved...
A diverse range of people have had an input in some way
- this broad support base means it’s not dependant on
one individual to keep it going – it feels like it has a secure
future”.
In the words of the first supervisor Nikki Greenyer. “It was
a really successful project - with such a dedicated and
The Headstones Area 2007
40
Section 4 Project review 2001 - 2006
Above 5 years of recovery 1: June 2001, just after the no mow zone was created. Photo ? ?? 2: November 2006, Kangaroo Grass and Roses flourish
Below Strong post fire regeneration 1: Soon after an accidental fire in November 200. 2: The same area 4 months later, with Kangaroo Grass
regrowing, after careful hand weeding. Photos: Marrickville Council
41
Project management and
promotion
•
•
Danie Ondinea - former Marrickville resident, bush
regenerator and initiator of the project.
Peter Rodgers - Rector of St Stephen’s Church and
member of the renewed Camperdown Cemetery
Trust.
Planning and direction
The initial restoration strategy was prepared by Danie
Ondinea in February 2002. The recommendation was to
produce a new strategy in 2004 but this strategy was not
completed until early in 2007.
It is probably more reasonable and workable to produce
a new strategy every five years unless there is a specific
reason to review it earlier.
Steering Committee
A committee was set up at the start of the project in late
2000 to co-ordinate the writing of the strategy and apply
for funding to launch the project. It has met every 3 months
since then, and has effectively coordinated the project.
The committee has been supported by Marrickville Council,
whose staff organised meetings and notified members,
chaired meetings and took minutes, and provided
meeting rooms and refreshments. In late 2006 organising
meetings and minute-taking became part of the role of the
Supervisor, funded from Council’s budget.
The Steering Committee members regularly visited the
site and gave feedback at Steering Committee meetings
- mostly recorded in meeting minutes.
The Friends group discussed the project during working
bees and the Supervisor passed on their feedback at
Steering Committee meetings.
Other specialist input
Specialist advice and assistance was obtained from various
people and organisations during the first 6 years.
•
•
•
•
•
Employment of Supervisor
The project was able to attract capable, knowledgeable
Bushcare Supervisors. Three different people held the
position during the review period.
•
All but one Steering Committee meeting was held at
Marrickville Council. Provision of a meeting room and
refreshments has been a benefit to the project. One
meeting in late 2006 was held on-site .
•
Ideally, the committee should include a Cemetery Trust
representative, but after the resignation of John Scott
in August 2004, this position was vacant. However the
Reverend Peter Rodgers, was able to assist with some of the
issues that required Trust input.
The Camperdown Cemetery Trust was not meeting
regularly during this period and Trust members were
difficult to contact. A new Trust was established in late
2006, and is expected to take a more active role in the
project.
The Steering Committee members as of December 2006
are:
•
Nell Graham - Marrickville Council’s Environmental
Education Officer.
•
Briony Magoffin - Marrickville Council Bushcare
Supervisor.
•
Robert Hutchinson - Marrickville Heritage Society
member and historic plant enthusiast & long-term
Friend.
Doug Benson, Senior Plant Ecologist with the Royal
Botanic Gardens, gave advice on the remnant and a
presentation at the launch in 2002.
Van Klaphake, bush regenerator and specialist plant
identification trainer, presented a workshop on
native grasses with field work on the site.
Robert Hutchinson, from Marrickville Heritage
Society, assisted with the management of the
heritage roses.
Jeff Thompson, from Camperdown Cemetery Trust
gave advice about the care and stabilisation of
monuments.
Virginia Bear, graphic artist and bushland
interpretation specialist, designed the brochure,
filled in as Friends group Supervisor, and wrote the
new Strategy and Review.
•
Nikki Greenyer was employed from February 2002
to September 2005. Nikki was a conscientious and
capable Supervisor, with good knowledge of bush
regeneration and heritage plantings. She did a great
job in guiding the group to its initial success.
The second Supervisor employed was Judith
Meacham from December 2005 to March 2006. She
had great knowledge and enthusiasm to contribute,
however her involvement was cut short when she
had to move interstate at short notice.
Briony Magoffin, another experienced and
enthusiastic bush regenerator, became the third
Supervisor, commencing work in May 2006.
Friends group
The Friends are a dedicated and effective group, who have
worked consistently for over 5 years and have significantly
improved the condition of the Kangaroo Grassland.
The group was formed from a core of people who signed
a register of interest at the Launch of Stage 1 in 2002. The
first workday was March 2002 and consisted of a training
day. Two more training sessions were held on site before
the group commenced work. There have been 62 working
42
Morning tea at “The Incinerator” - the Friends farewell Supervisor Nikki Greenyer after her last workday 2005
days to May 2006 and the Friends have contributed 703
hours of labour. New members have continued to join the
group.
Numbers have fluctuated between 17 and 1, but the
average number of volunteers attending each workday is 5.
52 Friends have worked at least one day, and 10 work
regularly.
No advance notice was required to join the group, people
were invited to turn up on the day, and start work after a
short induction. They were then invited to formal training
sessions, but this was not compulsory.
There was some difficulty with supervision when many
inexperienced Friends were on site at any one time.
This is often a problem with projects where there is a
general invitation to turn up on the day. However it was
handled well. New Friends were given tasks appropriate
to their ability or directed to work with someone more
experienced.
The Friends of Camperdown Cemetery Newsletter (usually
one A4 double-sided page) was sent to people who put
their names on a register at open days or who attended
workdays. It was published quarterly until 2004 and is now
included in Councils Community Nursery Newsletter which
is published twice a year.
The group has been supported in the following ways:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
A Supervisor is available for every workday.
Onsite training and direction is provided.
Friends can attend Council’s general bushcare
training.
Council organised workshops on topics such as
weed identification.
Toolkits are provided for each workday.
Morning tea is supplied.
Marrickville Council holds a volunteer thank you
event each year.
Marrickville Council provides two volunteer
recruitment sessions each year.
Marrickville Council provides administration of
the project, including promotion, newsletter
and volunteer calendar, grant applications and
administration, award application nominations.
A herbarium of pressed plant specimens was started by the
University of Technology students who did the monitoring
report and is now maintained by the Friends.
All Friends were given copies of the Camperdown
Cemetery Kangaroo Grassland and Historic Plantings
Restoration Strategy 2002-2004.
Dangerous rubbish - syringes,
condoms, dog faeces, etc
Dog faeces were a persistent problem, several were
found on the restoration site each workday. Syringes and
condoms have also been found on several occasions.
From the beginning, a work practice was instituted where
the Supervisor and/or Friends did a search and disposal for
sharps, dog faeces and other unhealthy refuse, before each
work session. Gloves and tongs and sharps container were
provided. An unpleasant, potentially unsafe and unhealthy
task was made acceptable and safe because it was properly
managed and shared. This also helped maintain a high
awareness of health issues by the Friends.
Specialist tasks
The Supervisor did not always have time to do mowing
and spraying outside volunteer supervising hours, but in
late 2006, 4 extra hours a month were scheduled for these
important activities.
Funding and in-kind project
support
The project has been generally well funded and supported.
Marrickville Council applied for grants on behalf of the
Steering Committee. The first application, to the Federal
Cultural Heritage Projects Program was unsuccessful. Three
others were successful - bringing $21,138 dollars into the
project. Council then administered these grants.
43
In 2004, similar proposals were submitted to the NSW
Environmental Trust and Federal Natural Heritage Trust and
were both successful. The proposals were adjusted and
additional funds used for extra hours for the Supervisor and
production of this strategy.
In addition, Council subsidised recruitment and training
of the Friends group. The Kangaroo Grassland project was
promoted by Council through its Environmental Volunteer
Program. A six monthly volunteer calendar was produced
and distributed through Council Citizen centers, Libraries,
The Watershed, Council website and the Marrickville
Community Nursery. Recruitment of volunteers occurred
through Volunteer Information Evenings which are held
twice a year.
Since July 2005, $2,500 per year from Council’s operating
budget has been allocated to the project. This covers the
employment of the Bushcare Supervisor, morning tea for
the volunteers and minor tool renewal. There is no budget
for big ticket items. Receiving ongoing funding from
Council was a significant breakthrough for the project, and
will go a long way towards securing its long-term future.
As well as the volunteer Friends group, a number of people
have put many hours of their own time into helping this
project become a success.
Grant funding details
Grant number 1
Federal Government, Natural Heritage Trust $5,300
“Camperdown Cemetery Kangaroo Grassland and Historic
Plantings Stage 1” September 2001.
This grant was expected to be matched by monetary and
in-kind contributions from participants. This included
administrative, communication support from Council,
grounds maintenance from Camperdown Cemetery Trust,
project management by Steering Committee, volunteer
hours by the Friends and a small allocation from Council
budgets for project coordination and linkages with the
Landcare group.
Proposed use
•
•
•
•
•
•
Employment of a Bushcare Supervisor for 1 workday
every 2 months for one year.
Removal of noxious and other invasive weeds.
Installing interpretive signage, raising awareness as
to the significance of the vegetation.
A series of community information /open days as
well as regular monthly working days.
Provision of information on the remnant for visitors
to the Cemetery.
Monitoring of the works and the effectiveness in
protecting and conserving the Grassland - to be
done in association with universities.
Actual use
•
•
•
•
•
•
mower.
Weed identification training.
Interpretative signage was not installed because
the Heritage Office were not expected to give
permission for post hole excavations. (See appendix
6).
Open day.
Catering for workdays (morning teas).
Grant number 2
Federal Government Natural Heritage Trust - Envirofund
$7,668 “Camperdown Cemetery Kangaroo Grassland and
Historic Plantings Stage 2”. November 2002.
Proposed use
•
•
•
•
•
•
Continue to employ Supervisor.
Buy tools for the Friends group.
Consultants.
Open Day.
Production of a Newsletter.
Training.
Actual use
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Employment of a Supervisor.
Training workshops.
Newsletter.
Photocopying.
Open day.
Catering for workdays (morning teas).
Contribute to the review of Restoration Strategy.
Grant number 3
$8,150 was received from NSW Environmental Trust,
“Camperdown Cemetery Kangaroo Grassland and Historic
Plantings Stage 2”. Feb 24 2003.
Proposed use
•
•
•
•
•
Employment of a Supervisor.
Tool and equipment maintenance.
Preparation of an interpretive brochure, raising
awareness of the significance of the vegetation.
A series of community information /open days to
recruit volunteers.
Monitoring of the works and the effectiveness in
protecting and conserving the grassland - to be
done in association with universities.
Actual use (not yet fully spent)
•
•
•
•
Interpretive Brochure.
Extra hours for supervisor.
Tool and equipment maintenance.
Contribute to the review of Restoration Strategy.
Employment of a Bushcare Supervisor, for 1
workday every month for one year.
Tools and equipment, hand tools, secure tool box,
44
Record keeping
Herbarium
Written reports
A herbarium of weed species was put together as part of
the UTS student monitoring project and was given to the
Friends group to add too. The Friends volunteers have taken
responsibility for adding to this over the years.
The previous strategy recommended:
•
•
•
•
•
Produce regular newsletters.
Record work completed on each workday.
Produce an annual report.
Record results in the State of the Environment
reports, etc.
Record all new plant species.
The Friends of Camperdown Cemetery newsletter was
produced quarterly from the outset of the project.
Initially a separate Friends of Camperdown Cemetery
Working Group Newsletter was also produced but this
was seen as doubling up and was amalgamated with the
Friends of Camperdown Cemetery newsletter.
Marrickville Council also producs a general newsletter for
its environmental volunteers (the Marrickville Community
Nursery Newsletter), and in 2005 decided to amalgamate
the Friends of Camperdown Cemetery newsletter with this.
The Supervisor produced reports after each work session.
These reports were submitted to Council and have been
kept as a record of all on-ground works carried out.
Many site management issues were raised and discussed at
steering committee meetings, and recorded in the minutes.
The minutes and the Supervisors report form the primary
record of the project. These were not put on the public
record.
Community education and
promotion
There have been a range of activities and publications to
inform the public about the project. (see appendix 1 and 2)
•
•
•
•
•
Annual reports were not produced.
From 2002 Council’s annual State Of Environment Report
has included a summary of the project and a record of
volunteer hours contributed.
•
•
4 new species were found since 2001:
•
•
•
•
Desmodium varians, which had been misidentified as
Glycine tabacina.
Sporobolus creber, which only became
distinguishable from S. africanus after mowing
ceased.
Dianella longifolia which was originally identified as
D. revoluta.
Kennedia rubicunda, which regenerated after the
2002 fire.
Reports to Council
Six reports to Council were produced (see Appendix 4
p51). Councillors were given a background to the project,
invitations to open days, updates on grants, notice about
events such as the fire and the production of the brochure.
Council’s vote to allocate recurrent funds to the project
from July 2005, indicates that Councillors had a good
understanding of the project’s importance, helped by the
informative, regular reporting.
These reports become part of the Council minutes and are
publicly available on Council’s website and in libraries.
•
The Sydney Morning Herald wrote an article about
the Kangaroo Grassland remnant in the Cemetery
on 4 April 2001. Many people became aware of the
remnant because of this article and a radio interview.
A radio interview with Danie Ondinea by local ABC
radio 702 presenter Angela Catterns, on the same day
as the Herald article.
The Marrickville Heritage Society newsletter also
carried articles about the Cemetery remnant and it’s
heritage significance in May 1998 and March 2002.
Local poet and author Colleen Z Burke wrote
“Anglican Restraint” a poem about the Kangaroo
Grassland in 2001 which won a literary competition
in 2002.
The launch of Stage 1 on the 17 February 2002
was attended by over 40 people. It was advertised
by letterbox drops to the local area, posters in local
shops in nearby King Street, Newtown and local
newspaper media coverage and the Sydney Morning
Herald article.
The launch of Stage 2 on the 23 March 2003 had the
Federal MP Anthony Albanese as guest speaker.
A brochure with information about the Kangaroo
Grassland project was made available at the
Cemetery entrance gate. It was produced by Virginia
Bear of Little Gecko Bushland Interpretation with
input from the Steering Committee. As part of the
brochure development, a self guided walk was
established, passing by examples of most native and
notable exotic species, and indicated on the map.
Project details were submitted to the Federal
Governments "Mosaic Mapping Project” - a web
based map featuring 500 NRM projects, to be
available in early 2007.
Members of the public have the opportunity to visit the site
while the group is working and find out about the progress
of the project. On most workdays at least one person who
is not formally involved in the project will make contact this
way.
Marrickville Council runs 2 Volunteer recruitment drives per
year in which Volunteers are recruited for the Environmental
Volunteer Program of which the Friends of Camperdown
Cemetery are incorporated.
Illustrated signage was not used. There are currently no
identification markers on the site. Post holes cannot be dug
without approval from the NSW Heritage Council because
of the possibility of disturbing buried remains. Previous
45
correspondence (see appendix 6) suggests approval may
not be granted.
The interpretive brochure produced in 2005 indicated the
extent of the remnant, but requires some interest and effort
from the visitor to use it. The brochure was not always
available because the brochure holder at the Cemetery
entrance needs to be regularly restocked.
Site assessment and monitoring
Changes in condition of parts of the site have been recorded
photographically. The eradication of some weed species was
recorded.
The previous strategy recommended monitoring the spread
of historic plantings and damage to monuments by woody
weeds, but this was not done.
The fire in November 2002 presented an opportunity for
photographic monitoring. Photos taken two days after the
fire, again on December13 2002, and March 15 2003. These
provide and excellent visual record of post fire regeneration.
(see pages 41, and 47).
relocating the quadrats. They were probably not intended
as a detailed record of site condition - their value for this
compromised by inconsistent lighting, excessive contrast
and inconsistent framing. They are generally shots of a large
area, without a lot of detail in the ground layer.
The study provides a useful record of site condition, but
it was not taken up by the Friends group as on ongoing
project. The friends group had not formed when the
monitoring system was developed, so they did not have
input, and it turned out to be too complex and time
consuming for them to incorporate into their regular work
schedule.
The study could still provide some ongoing quantitative
assessment of weed and native plant numbers if quadrats
are reassesed.
Condition Assessment
There is no detailed description of the Kangaroo Grasslands
condition. Good site management relied on the Supervisor
having an accurate idea of the condition of various parts of
the remnant.
A monitoring report had been prepared by students from
University of Technology Sydney (UTS) in November 2001.
16 4 x 4m quadrats were established in the Cemetery
grounds. 13 are within the remnant areas. (See Appendix
5). The quadrats can be relocated by measuring off the
sandstone wall. Records were made of plant species, and
their area of coverage, ground and canopy cover, bare
ground, leaf litter and level of disturbance.
The extent of the remnant was first recorded on a rough
mud map, which was included in the first strategy. A new,
more accurate map was produced as part of the interpretive
brochure development. After mowing had ceased for a
while it was possible to more accurately identify the area of
remnant, and it turned out to be more extensive than was
first apparent.
The quadrats were also used as photo points. 14 of them
were regularly photographed during the projects first
few years. In July 2002, December 2002, and March 2003,
June 2003, Feb 2004, July 2004 and Sept 2004. These are a
useful record of the broader vegetation structure, and for
This map gives a general idea of the extent of the remnant
areas, but is not detailed enough for monitoring gradual
advancement or retreat of the remnant, or for accurately
locating particular areas within the remnant. It does not
describe remnant condition.
St Stephen’s Church parishioners in the Kangaroo Grassland with Supervisor Nikki Greenyer, 2005
46
Communication between major
stakeholders
Formal protection
Marrickville Council, the Bushcare Supervisor, Friends group, St
Stephen’s Church administration, congregation and grounds
committee, as well as the Camperdown Cemetery Trust, were
identified as major stakeholders.
In November 2000, Danie Ondinea approached the Threatened
Species Officer of the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service
(now the Department of Environment and Climate Change)
or DECC) who had responsibility for this area of Sydney. She
described the site and the remnant and the proposed restoration
project and asked for information about getting permission
to carry out bush regeneration activities in this Endangered
Ecological Community (as required by law). She was told that no
permission was required because of the small size and depleted
nature of the Sydney Turpentine-Ironbark Forest remnant in the
Cemetery grounds.
The Cemetery Trust was inactive for much of the reporting period,
and was difficult to contact. However it is expected that the
new Trust appointed in late 2006 will soon be able to actively
participate in the project.
Danie believes “this was an unhelpful approach because it denied
the Cemetery Kangaroo Grassland remnant a formal listing in
DEC’s records and on their maps and any formal protection - it was
discouraging - we were expecting support from DEC.”
A tour of the Kangaroo Grassland was organised for St Stephen’s
Church parishioners in 2005. Peter Rodgers, Nikki Greenyer and
Virginia Bear spoke to the congregation, after a church service,
about the project and invited them to join the tour. A group then
walked around the remnant and discussed the project. (photo:
page 46)
As stated previously, very little STIF remains today and it is listed
as endangered on both Federal and State lists. The Scientific
Committee, which determines which vegetation communities are
listed as endangered in NSW, estimated, in 1998, that there was
only 0.5% of the original area of STIF still existing in the form of a
number of remnants.
Effective communication is reflected in the general success of the
project and the fact that Cemetery management practices had
minimal impact on the remnant vegetation and historic grave
plantings. Much of the necessary communication happens via the
Steering Committee.
Danie said “most of the STIF remnants within the Sydney area
are very small and depleted - they have tree species but no
remaining native understorey or groundcover plants - but
they still have scientific, heritage and educational value. The
Camperdown grassland remnants are important as an example of
the understorey of this endangered vegetation type - something
missing from many other small STIF remnants”.
Alone
Colleen Z Burke
The smell of cutgrass
runs wild in the spring air
Greyclouds slant along
the limp blue sky
Haze of sun through
Stormclouds
luminous
isolating
me
sitting alone on
a gravestone
a butterfly
poised at
my feet.
1994
47
Managing threats
Mowing and identification of
the remnant
The main remnant of Kangaroo Grassland and its
associated historic plantings have been protected
from mowing since June 2001. Damage from mowing
is still possible, but far less likely than in the past, due
to a reasonable level of public awareness, and better
networking between the Friends group and other
Cemetery stakeholders.
There were long periods when most of the Cemetery
grounds were unmown; this assisted with more accurate
identification of the area of Kangaroo Grassland. The
recognised area is now larger than was apparent at first.
The patches of Kangaroo Grassland isolated from the main
remnant, the Island and East patch, were mown on a few
occasions. These areas were identified after the completion
of the first management strategy (the Island was not
included) and were included in the interpretive brochure which became the main map of the Kangaroo Grassland.
Protection from mowing has greatly improved the health
of the Kangaroo Grassland. The plants have been able to
flower and seed, replenishing the soil-stored seedbank, and
producing new individual plants. The Kangaroo Grassland
has become taller and thicker and more clearly visible. As
well as an increase in the recorded area of Kangaroo Grass,
Desmodium and Dianella, in particular, have appeared in
places where they were not previously noticed. (see photo
below: Desmodium in The Island)
The unmown Kangaroo Grassland has much greater habitat
value and is used by a variety of animals. 17 different
insects were opportunistically recorded on or in the
Kangaroo Grassland species.
Prior to the project starting and in the early days of the
project, an informal arrangement had existed whereby
a parishioner mowed the Cemetery grounds - including
the Kangaroo Grassland - on a voluntary basis. Mowing of
the main Kangaroo Grassland area ceased soon after the
restoration project commenced.
Cemetery maintenance, including mowing outside the
remnant, is still being done. It is essential that those
involved in Cemetery maintenance are involved in
communication about the restoration project.
The boundary of the No Mow Zone was originally
determined by ecological and practical issues. Most of the
area known to contain Kangaroo Grassland plants was
included.
Hardwood staking of the perimeter of the No Mow Zone
and 3 signs were installed on 23 June 2001 by Marrickville
Council staff, and painted by volunteers. The main sign was
unofficially removed the next day and the posts soon after.
The posts were not replaced and there are no markers or
barriers to indicate remnant vegetation areas, other than
the presence of native species. Limitations on disturbing
the ground made it impractical to install barriers or markers
that would withstand vandalism. Despite the lack of
markers, there was no further inappropriate mowing in the
No Mow Zone.
Desmodium regenerating in the area knows as “The Island” 2006
48
Mowing by the Friends group
Trampling and tracks
The project area is now managed exclusively by the Friends
and Bushcare Supervisor, working to protect remnant
vegetation and historic plantings.
From 2002 to 2006 the mowing was often done by the
Friends. From 2006 the Bushcare Supervisor took on all the
required mowing. This involved mowing:
•
•
•
Designated tracks through the main remnant.
Entrance areas.
Adjacent, weedy areas.
Mowing was at times irregular because:
•
•
The mower was sometimes borrowed and damaged
by Cemetery maintenance people.
Petrol was used up and not always replaced for the
Kangaroo Grassland workday.
Some of the tracks became overgrown at times and some
became indistinct. When Briony Magoffin commenced
work some of the tracks were difficult to identify.
The mower and the Friends other equipment is now stored
securely in the shed and can only be accessed by the
Friends or Council. To make some mowing jobs easier, a
whipper snipper was purchased for the project.
For recreational access and visual amenity it may be
appropriate to mow other areas. There is currently no
formal arrangement for mowing other areas. As the
remnant areas are not marked, it would be very difficult for
an inexperienced person to recognise remnant patches.
The remnant vegetation cannot be completely protected
while there is unrestricted public access. The site is still
vulnerable to trampling, because of the high number of
visitors and the lack of barriers, but the damage has not
been serious. There has been some problems with “camp”
areas where the Grassland is flattened by people sitting
and lying for long periods - but this is occasional and, up
until now, the remnant has always recovered.
In some areas, groups of monuments, remnant native
plants and historic plants are being damaged by
recreational activity. Nothing was done specifically to
control this and there has not been any obvious practical
solution.
Track rationalisation
In 2001 a series of informal tracks criss-crossed most of
the remnant subjecting large areas to trampling. Members
of the Steering Committee identified a series of tracks
to be retained, and others that were unnecessary (e.g.
duplicated by a nearby track) or damaging to important
remnant areas. These were to be left unmown and allowed
to regenerate.
Attempts were made to block off inappropriate, well worn
walking tracks with branches but these were removed soon
after placement, by persons unknown. Designated tracks
were kept mown in order to encourage use, although some
sections became indistinct during periods of irregular
mowing. (see “Mowing by the Friends group”). Some of
the unnecessary tracks did disappear as the grassland regrew, particularly after the fire in November 2002, which
stimulated strong regeneration of Kangaroo Grass.
Despite the difficulties, track rationalisation has helped
limit the damage, and most visitors walk on the mown
tracks and not on the remnant grassland plants.
As part of the development of the interpretive brochure,
the tracks that could function as a self guided walk
were identified. A loop walk through the remnant was
determined, providing opportunity to see all the Kangaroo
Grassland and historic plants. The track was marked on the
brochure along with the location and photographs of the
feature plants. To encourage people to use the preferred
tracks - the loop track and other main tracks - they were to
be regularly mown.
Public education was considered the best option as it was
not practical to physically restrict access.
The brochure helped educate visitors. An interpretive sign
was planned, which, being permanent and obvious, would
have been more valuable than the brochure, but was also
difficult to implement due to restrictions on digging (e.g. to
install a post) and did not eventuate.
2006
49
Dogs
There were no controls on dogs in the Cemetery grounds.
It was used as an unofficial off-leash area. Friends were
occasionally hassled by dogs while they were working, and
had to be careful to store food out of the reach of dogs.
Twice the group lost the Portuguese tarts, that had been
provided for morning tea, to a particularly hungry beagle
who sniffed them out and ate them.
Small scale elective spraying of Kikuyu is very effective and
should continue where needed. Digging it out is difficult
and time consuming and creates a lot of disturbance. This
is particularly inappropriate in this old Cemetery where
human remains may be close to the surface.
Damage control measures were in place for dog impacts,
but no prevention strategies. Recommendations from the
first strategy were difficult to implement because Council is
not the land manager.
•
•
•
There has been no formal public education or
signage.
The Cemetery has not been made an on-leash zone.
No bags or bins are in place. Removal or emptying
of the bin is still an unresolved issue. There has been
discussion with Council staff but no resolution.
The Friends say most dog owners are responsible, and it
would be difficult to do anything about those who aren’t.
Newtown is a very doggy place. The Friends think things
are OK, and are willing to tolerate the problems.
Public awareness about the importance of the remnant
and the volunteer project has resulted in more responsible
behaviours from some dog owners but has not eliminated
the problems.
Disturbance regimes
The 3 unplanned fires appear to have had a positive
effect: promoting lush new growth of Kangaroo Grass,
and providing heat and smoke to stimulate natural
regeneration.
Nikki Greenyer, and some of the Friends set up an
experiment to trial different methods of “dethatching” the
Kangaroo Grass. (photo below: Kent Johnson )This trial
wasn’t followed up on in the long term, and the trial plots
were difficult to discern by the time Briony Magoffin started
work as Supervisor.
Herbicide use
The remnant and the historic plantings have been
protected from herbicide spraying. However they could
still be damaged by unauthorised spraying and other
herbicide use. This is far less likely than in the past due
to a reasonable level of public awareness, and better
networking between the Friends group and other
Cemetery stakeholders.
Damage has been avoided by restricting the use of
herbicide to the Supervisor or experienced Friends only.
Roundup Biactive has been used undiluted for cutting and
painting, or stem scraping. There has been some spraying
of small areas of Kikuyu (approximately 2-3m2) by the
Supervisor (see photo top left: the Microlaena Patch).
Photo: Kent Johnson 2005
50
Fires
Above 1: December 2002 A few weeks after an accidental fire 2: March 2003 4 months after the fire, Kangaroo Grass is flourishing
Below Many hours of skilful handweeding by the friends ensured that Kangaroo Grassland plants regrew without competition from weeds.
Photos: Marrickville Council
Unplanned fires (deliberately or accidentally lit)
remain a threat and were almost impossible to
prevent due to the ease of public access and
difficulty in policing. The monument nicknamed “the
incinerator” was regularly used for storing garbage,
and sometimes set on fire, allowing fire to escape into
the Cemetery grounds.
Fire events
3 significant fires (e.g. more then a few square metres)
have occurred in the remnant since work began. No
obvious damage, e.g. loss of plants, occurred, even
though this is a risk when fires are too frequent.
51
Native plants regenerated strongly after the fires. One of
the Heritage roses was burned, but it also regenerated.
Weeds, particularly Watsonia, also regenerated.
On November 26 2002, an unplanned fire burned most of
the No Mow Zone on the southern side of the carriageway.
This caused much concern, because almost all the
Kangaroo Grassland plants were burnt in the fire and the
bare soil would be vulnerable to trampling. Permission
was obtained from the NSW Heritage Council to erect a
temporary fence, to restrict access, and reduce damage
to the newly burned areas, and subsequent regenerating
native plants. Signage was attached to the fence to inform
the public. The fence was removed after 6 months.
In July 2006 a fire burned about 300m2, mainly in the
Headstone area, including part of the area that was burned
in 2002.
In late December 2006 another fire burned through the
Palm Grove area.
weeding was avoided by using careful supervision and
minimal disturbance techniques. For example, the stems
of weed vines were scraped and painted with herbicide
rather than being dug or pulled out when adjacent to
monuments.
Only about a third of the area with Kangaroo Grassland
plants was regularly weeded. Work could not expand into
other areas because maintenance of existing work areas
was already taking up most of the Friends group’s time.
Waste plant material was bagged or stacked near the shed
after each work day and collected by Council for disposal.
Containing historic grave plantings
The Friends have worked to achieve a managed coexistence of native and heritage plants. Most areas of
historic plantings were retained.
Flower heads of Watsonias and Agapanthus were removed
before seeding, to ensure the plants were contained to
designated areas i.e. ‘beds’ or gravesites.
Managing historic plantings
Management of trees in the Cemetery grounds is mainly
the responsibility of the Camperdown Cemetery Trust,
however, Bushcare supervisor Nikki Greenyer assisted with
tree management and horticultural advice, on a voluntary
basis.
Nikki Greenyer and Robert Hutchinson, pruned the
heritage roses. They also took cuttings which were sold to
raise funds for the Marrickville Heritage Society.
Woody weeds
Woody weeds, and seedlings of invasive plantings removed
from the remnant areas were African Olive, Broad-leaved
Privet, Small-leaved Privet, Green Cestrum, Ochna, Canary
Island Date Palm, Cheese Tree, Gleditsia, Silk Tree, Celtis,
Pittosporum, Camphor Laurel, Chinese Elm, Cotoneaster,
Brushbox, Paperbark.
One Heritage rose was thought to have been damaged
after it was burned in the 2002 fire, but it regenerated
strongly.
Some of these are non-local native species (Brushbox
and Paperbark) or local species that were likely to cause
problems to adjacent monuments (i.e. Pittosporum). All
were removed carefully, taking care to prevent damage to
monuments.
Patches of Watsonia, in the Headstones Area and Plume
Grass Patch that were being retained as heritage plantings,
were also burned but suffered no lasting effects.
Most woody weed seedlings and saplings have now
been removed, although Chinese Elm seedlings are still a
problem, particularly beneath the larger Elms.
No vandalism or theft was noticed.
The self-seeded juvenile trees have mostly been removed,
but this will be an ongoing task if adult trees remain and
drop viable seed.
Weeds and invasive plantings
Target weeding and woody weed removal were carried out
in various parts of the Kangaroo Grassland.
Priority sites were chosen for intensive hand weeding
and regular follow-up, and most of the work was carried
out in these areas. Boundaries of the different work areas
were not defined until 2007 - but the initial priority sites
correspond to the Plume Grass Patch, Wattle Grove West,
Swamp Mahogany Corner, Dipogon Patch, PR area. Work
was also done in the Headstones area and Microlaena
patch.
Weeds were removed using bush regeneration techniques.
The condition of the site has improved, but it is still a work
in progress, and many areas would deteriorate rapidly if
regeneration work ceased.
Care has been taken with weed removal adjacent to
monuments. Monument destabilisation by inappropriate
A 4 metre Albizia on the southern edge could not be
removed because it is adjacent to a hive of feral bees, and
anyone disturbing them risks being stung.
The Supervisor had trouble obtaining a working chainsaw
from Council to use on woody weeds, but an arrangement
is now in place where one can be borrowed periodically
from the Parks Staff.
In 2006 Briony Magoffin arranged with TAFE for
Camperdown Cemetery to be used as a training site
for Arboriculture students. This will provide help with
removing dangerous trees and woody weeds, but no date
has been set.
Overshading by planted and self-seeded trees is an
ongoing problem, but is accepted because some of the
larger plants have significance as historic plantings and are
to be retained.
52
Noxious weeds
Pests and diseases
Some changes were made to noxious weed declarations
for Marrickville Local Government area since the project
commenced. There were originally 8 noxious weeds on site:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Green Cestrum
Camphor Laurel
Cotoneaster
Large-leaved Privet
Small-leaved Privet
Ochna
Cassia
There ware no pest or disease issues in the work area.
Protocols were in place to prevent the introduction of the
disease Phytophthora cinnamomi. Volunteers used tools
provided, or washed tools brought in from other areas.
Development
There were no development proposals affect ing the site
during the reporting period.
All except Green Cestrum were removed from the noxious
weed schedules during this time and Bridal Creeper and
Oxalis were added (see appendix 7).
Another form of mateship
Colleen Z Burke
Nearly raining moisture sifting
through dense air
cool on hands
and faces. Leaves of Chinese
elms, peppercorns, ironbarks
and wattle trees rear and plunge
against the frantic wind.
We huddle beneath
a crumbling gravestone dedicated
“to the memory of my wife
Sarah Jane who died in 185-,
18 years old - without issue.”
Bright purple weeds and
wild white rose vines tangle
forgotten graves.
Raindrops move slowly
through the dark air
seeping through our skin.
Frozen to the bone we move
closer to Sarah Jane for
shelter and warmth.
1994
53
References
Benson, D. and Howell, J. (1995) Taken for Granted: the
Bushland of Sydney and its Suburbs Kangaroo Press,
Kenthurst
Benson, D. Ondinea, D. and Bear, V. (1999) Missing Jigsaw
Pieces. The Bushplants of the Cooks River Valley Royal
Botanic Garden Sydney
Braby, M. (2004) The Complete Field Guide to Butterflies
of Australia CSIRO Publishing
Brunet, B Spider (2000) Spider Watch - A Guide to
Australian Spiders Reed New Holland
Burke, C. (1994) Wildlife in Newtown Freakle Press
Newtown.
Carolyn, R. & Tindale, M. (1994) Flora of the Sydney Region
Reed, Chatswood
Chivers, A. Law, D. Pointer, K. and Rabie, S. (2001)
Monitoring of Camperdown Cemetery Grasslands.
Unpublished. Group project report for University of
Technology Open Space Management
Common, I. (1990) Moths of Australia Melbourne
University Press
Department of Primary Industries NSW (accessed 2006)
Noxious Weed Declarations for Marrickville Council
www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/noxweed/noxious
Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW)
(accessed 2006) NSW Threatened Species Legislation
threatenedspecies.environment.nsw.gov.au/legislation.aspx
Fairly, A. & Moore, P. (1989) Native Plants of the Sydney
District Kangaroo Press and The Society for Growing
Australian Plants, Sydney
Harden, G. (1992-2000) Flora of New South Wales
Volumes 1-4 University of NSW Press, Sydney
Heritage Office NSW (accessed 2006) State Heritage
Register: St Stephen’s Anglican Church and Cemetery.
www.heritage.nsw.gov.au/07_subnav_02_
2.cfm?itemid=5045479
Hirschfeld, D (1996) Marrickville Municipality Indigenous Plant List and Remnant Vegetation Mapping
Project Report for Marrickville Council
Ondinea, D (2002) Restoration Strategy for Camperdown
Cemetery Kangaroo Grassland and Historic Plantings.
Unpublished report for Marrickville Council
Pratten C. (ed) (1985) Cemeteries - A Policy Paper The
National Trust of Australia (NSW)
Swan, G. Shea, G. and Sadlier, R. (2004) A Field Guide to
Reptiles of New South Wales Reed New Holland
Theischinger, G. and Hawking, J. (2006) The Complete
Field Guide to Dragonflies of Australia CSIRO Publishing
Zborowski, P. and Storey, R. (2003) A Field Guide to Insects
in Australia Reed New Holland
Photo: Marrickville Council 2003
54

Camperdown Cemetery - Marrickville Council

Transcription

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