Event Type
Landcare Region
BCT Region
Rainforests once covered much of Australia. Today rainforests cover only 0.25% of the continent, 17% of which occurs in NSW. In the Mid-North Coast, we are blessed with high rainfall and a warm climate that allows a diverse array of rainforest communities to exist. Away from the salt-affected rainforest communities of the coastal fringe, rainforests can reach towering heights, and with their characteristic closed canopy, it can be very difficult to differentiate tree species within these wonderful ecosystems.
We are honoured to have Dr Bill McDonald, retired rainforest botanist from Queensland, present his vast knowledge of and experience with rainforest plant ID.
Participants will start by learning how classical botanical identification techniques, such the morphology of flowers and fruits, are not very practical when identifying Australian rainforest trees and shrubs. Bill will guide participants through the process of differentiating rainforest species according to easily collated information about habit, bark type and texture, and leaf arrangement and morphology, as outlined in the famous "Red Book", which he co-authored. With reference and reverence to the late Alex Floyd, Bill will give an overview of local rainforest ecology, composition and distribution in NSW, particularly with respect to underlying geology.
We will work with live plant samples in a 'laboratory' setting in the morning, and after lunch we will take a wander through the local rainforest and turn our hand at field observation.
This a is beginner workshop, and no prior botanical knowledge is necessary. It will also be suitable for those people who have dabbled in a little plant ID, but who have limited knowledge of rainforest species.
There will be some hand lenses available for communal use on the day, but participants are encouraged to bring their own if possible. "The Red Book" will be available for purchase on the day.
This is a very special opportunity to meet a highly respected rainforest scholar and learn from one of the very best in the field.
To find out more about Dr Bill McDonald and his publication go to this link: Rainforest Trees and Shrubs
Rainforest Trees and Shrubs and will be available for purchase on the day.
This event is possible thanks to the shared work of the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust and Landcare NSW under the Private Land Conservation Matters project, supported locally by MidCoast Council.
Event Topics
Event Outcomes
Feedback from the event survey
What made it a successful event?
Actually being in a rainforest so we could put information given to practical use
Location was superb. Information provided at the level appropriate to my knowledge level
The location was inspiring ( ie regenerated rainforest)
Inspirational, wealth of knowledge from presenters and participants, great opportunity to network with landowners, bush regenerators
Great prior communication (eg venue access and details, advice on requirements for day, programme
Having the workshop within the rainforest setting was lovely and very convenient for the practical component.
Suggestions for improvement
- Big group hard to hear presenter at times.
The speaker spoke quietly so it was not easy to hear.
just having a bit more time in the field
Possibly longer spread over two days to increase time in the forest
Invite participants to continue to socialise at lunch.
I would have liked seats or tables where we could have shared lunch and socialised. Most people disappeared back to cars or stood around uncomfort. I would have liked the chance to talk to some of the participants.
Smaller group or use a portable PA.
We did not have time to use the rainforest ID key - which would have been useful to try in practice.
Make it longer so we can learn more
Better quality data projector for presentation part. The resolution was not good enough and made the line drawings blurry and text hard to read
.I would have liked to have time to sit down and key out some plants. This was prepared for but we ran out of time
What do you think are the most important next steps? How can Landcare/BCT support you in going forward?
Continue to hold events and provide education and support
A more detailed analysis of the rainforest segments on the property
Workshop on rainforest regeneration.
More plant ID courses with more looking at plants in the field
Continue to give these great local events with interesting, relevant topics and opportunities to meet other landholders. Isabelle Strachan does a great job.
Ongoing education about conservation and what conservation agreements can do for me
The main thing I am looking for currently is some funding 😊
I attended as support staff but also learned a lot. Excellent workshop
We have received advice from Landcare over 30 years and more recently grant support from BCT. We hope both may continue.
Setting priorities for improving habitat on my property (weed control, encouraging natural regeneration and when supplementary plantings may be needed).