On 11 April 2026, Greater Sydney Landcare (GSL), in partnership with the City of Ryde Council, held a vibrant community planting event that transformed a car park garden bed along Church Street in Ryde into a thriving pocket of native habitat.
A total of 22 enthusiastic volunteers attended the day, including families, friends, and representatives from the Turramurra Lions Club. The event began with a relaxed morning tea, where participants enjoyed tea, coffee, biscuits, and fresh fruit before getting their hands dirty.
The day was led by Alicia, Environmental Services Manager, and Bryce, Natural Resource Manager, who guided volunteers through the planting process and shared insights into the importance of urban habitat restoration.
Planting for a Critically Endangered Ecosystem
Together, the group planted 360 native plants, carefully selected from the endangered Blue Gum High Forest ecological community. This critically endangered vegetation community now has only a small fraction of its original extent remaining, making restoration efforts like this vital.
The planting included a diverse mix of shrubs and small trees such as wattles (Acacia species), Banksia, tea trees, and Hakea salicifolia (willow-leaved hakea). Groundcovers included Purple coral pea (Hardenbergia violacea), Native kidney weed (Dichondra repens) and Mat rush (Lomandra confertifolia), helping to stabilise the soil and create layered habitat.
All plants were sourced locally from community nurseries, including Habitat Network – run entirely by dedicated volunteers – and Sutherland Council Community Nursery.
A Rewarding Day Despite the Heat
Working on hot tarmac conditions was no small feat, but the volunteers showed incredible determination and teamwork throughout the day. Their efforts were rewarded with a well-earned lunch of Subway sandwiches and the satisfaction of contributing to a greener, more biodiverse urban environment.
Creating Habitat Anywhere
The key message from the day was simple but powerful: you can create habitat for native wildlife and pollinators almost anywhere.
This small urban planting will provide shade, food, and shelter for insects, birds, frogs, and lizards, demonstrating how even modest spaces can make a meaningful ecological impact.
Even those living in apartments can play a role. By choosing the right plants, balconies and small outdoor areas can support bees, birds, and other pollinators.
Programs like Habitat for Wildlife help make this possible by providing practical resources for urban residents looking to support local biodiversity. Participants can also receive a free sign to showcase their contribution and inspire others in their community.
Join Ryde’s Bushcare Program
If you’d like to contribute to environmental efforts in the Ryde area, you can volunteer to become a City of Ryde Bushcare volunteer, and regenerate bushland. No experience is necessary as training is provided.
Come Corporate Volunteering with Greater Sydney Landcare
Greater Sydney Landcare has hosted dozens of companies for Corporate Volunteering days to restore Greater Sydney’s environment. Will yours be next? Download our Corporate Volunteering Info Pack for more info
