Big Scrub Rainforest Day is back this Sunday, 30 October at Rocky Creek Dam. It’s the first time in the flesh for three years, following the havoc of fire, flood, pandemic, and zoom.
‘The Big Scrub’ refers to what was believed to be the largest expanse of subtropical rainforest in Australia, stretching a massive 75,000 hectares across Bundjalung country from Byron and Mullumbimby towards Lismore and Ballina.
While only a fraction of that forest has survived, regeneration by Landcare groups and others is helping bring it back. Many might remember Bob Brown speaking at a Big Scrub Day a few years back, describing regeneration in the Northern Rivers as some of the best he’d seen in Australia.
This Sunday will feature guided walks in the magnificent rainforest around Rocky Creek Dam, a community planting of 1,000 trees, talks from Byron Bird Buddies for kids, and seed propagation workshops with Mark Dunphy from Firewheel Rainforest Nursery, which has been regenerating rainforests for over 30 years.
‘I love Big Scrub Day because it’s a chance to have a coffee and catch up with friends, meet new people and talk to the experts about plants and animals’ says Mark Dunphy, also vice- president of Big Scrub Landcare.
A report this year from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change stated ‘Restoring and preventing further loss of native forests is essential for combating climate change.’
Events like Big Scrub Day offer a great way to connect with that restoration, by learning or just laying back. ‘We’ve opted for a laid-back style event this year and are encouraging people to bring a picnic lunch as well as their camp chairs or a blanket.’ says Big Scrub Landcare president Tony Parkes.
You can find the full program at www.bigscrubrainforest.org, along with links to free tickets for the guided walk activities.
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