On Saturday 14th June 2025, Greater Sydney Landcare hosted a Creating Canopies planting on a privately owned property in Camden. A total of 64 enthusiastic volunteers joined us at the planting site, nestled beside a dam and watched over by curious cattle.
The volunteers rolled up their sleeves to plant 1,774 native trees and shrubs. As these plants grow they will contribute to a greener, cooler Greater Sydney and help to combat urban heat island effects in the local area.
A Thoughtfully Designed Mini-Forest
The planting focussed on locally native species from the Cumberland Red Gum Riverflat community, chosen for their suitability to the locationβs moist soils and nearby water source. These species will grow to three metres and aboveβproviding shade, habitat, and natural cooling through evapotranspiration.
Species planted included:
- Gum trees (Eucalypts and Angophoras)
- Tea trees (Leptospermums)
- Paperbarks (Melaleucas)
- Wattles (Acacias)
- Sweet Bursaria (Bursaria spinosa)
- Tick Bush (Kunzea ambigua)
As well as planting, the volunteers installed bamboo stakes and guards to protect the seedlings from hares. The planting areas were also fenced off from livestock to ensure the young canopy can establish safely.
After a busy morning, the group took a well-earned break to refuel with a lunch of sandwiches, wraps, and cookies. Re-energised, they returned to the field for one final taskβwatering in every plant by hand with watering cans, giving them the best possible start in their new home.
Community Spirit in Action
The day was led by Greater Sydney Landcareβs Natural Resources Manager Bryce Doyle, Creating Canopies Project Officer Alicia Harb-Akins, and Revegetation Officers Michael Keith and Ryan Birtles.
The field team were augering holes in the morning for volunteers to plant into while Alicia laid out the plants for the day. The team also provided planting demonstrations to ensure volunteers installed their plants effectively. They led the volunteers in working across four distinct areas on the day β some with soft, forgiving soil, and others presenting more of a challenge with wet, clay soils.
We were thrilled to welcome back many returning volunteers, who brought energy and dedication to the day. With vibrant blue skies, fluffy white clouds, and a peaceful farm backdrop, it was a scenic and satisfying day out.
One-Off Volunteers Contributing Long-Term Impacts
This planting will help:
- Increase native plant diversity on site
- Provide habitat for native birds and other wildlife
- Cool the landscape with vital shade β even for the landownerβs cattle!
Connected Communities, Resilient Landscapes
A big thank you to Glen, the landowner, for volunteering this property to help grow canopy cover in the region. And of course, thank you to every volunteer who made this day a success β your hands are helping shape a cooler, greener, greater Sydney.
Erratum: Communications about this planting initially said 1,790 plants were installed, but the actual number was 1,774 as some plants ordered were not delivered.
Volunteer for Bushcare in Camden
If youβd like to contribute to environmental efforts in the Camden LGA, you can become a Bushcare volunteer and regenerate bushland. No experience is necessary as training is provided.
Corporate Volunteering with Greater Sydney Landcare
Find out more about Corporate Volunteering with Greater Sydney Landcare here. Be sure to download our Corporate Volunteering Info Pack.
Get Involved in Creating Canopies
If youβd like to find out how to get free trees planted on your land, visit our Register Your Site for Trees page.
Come along and plant trees with Creating Canopies. Find out what events we have coming up on Greater Sydney Landcareβs Eventbrite page.
About Creating Canopies
Landcare NSW and Greater Sydney Landcare are planting 300,000 trees from 2020-2025 as part of the Greening our City program to help reduce urban heat in Greater Sydney. Proudly funded by the NSW Government.
