A number of organisations and individuals run bush restoration programs at sites away from the big cities that offer opportunities for you to volunteer time and energy. In return accomodation, food and other activities may be available at no cost or reduced rates. If you would like to add a site to the list please send the details via the Contact Us link.

Korinderie Ridge

Location: adjacent to Bundjalung National Park, North Coast NSW

Willing volunteers are very welcome to book into the Korinderie Ridge community’s annual ‘bush regen volunteers camp’, usually held in the second week of August. The work is removal of Lantana in sclerpophyll bushland for about 3 hours each morning. The community provides delicious meals and great communal facilities for the volunteers, as well as guiding short bushwalks each afternoon to interesting local bush regeneration sites each afternoon.

Volunteers need only bring their own camping gear and get themselves to Korinderie. previous bush regeneration experience is not essential. The atmosphere at previous camps has been fun and inspiring. For more information contact Tein or Graham: 02 6682 2885 or teinm@ozemail.com.au.

Arakoon

Location: Arakoon, Camden Head Pilot Station, Dunbogan, Mid North Coast NSW

The Pilot Station is a community environmental and cultural facility managed by volunteers. More information on their various projects at www.camdenheadpilotstation.org.au.

Hat Head National Park

Location: close to South West Rocks, North Coast NSW

1. Help to control the major invasive weeds over an extensive area in the park with the local DuneCare and BushCare group in conjunction with National Parks. The project has been running for many years with great success. Assistance is needed to consolidate the work done.

Free accommodation is offered at historic Arakoon House in return for weed removal work in the park. The house has 4 self-contained 2 bedroom apartments. Accommodation at Arakoon House is available from the end of March to the end of September for groups of up to 16. Individuals and couples are also welcome.

Information from Alan Hill (02) 6566 7013, 0419 012 640 or leave a message on (02) 9997 6973, hillyuille@bigpond.com

2. National Parks and Wildlife offer free accommodation in return for some weed removal work on the dunes. Free camping is available at Trial Bay outside the holiday peak periods and Little Bay Cottage (sleeps 5) is available late April to late September in return for 20-25 hours bush regeneration per person. And there is free entry to Trial Bay Goal! See http://swrdc.com.au/WP/

For enquiries: Contact Ranger Cath Ireland on 02 6566 7589 or 6566 7593 or cath.ireland@environment.nsw.gov.au.

Jenolan Caves Karst Conservation Reserve

Location: Near Oberon, Central NSW.

Only a few hours west of Sydney is a unique labyrinth of limestone caves. Above ground ornamental Sycamore Maples are going wild and threatening 50 hectares of bushland. Weekend events are held at least 4 times a year with the local Landcare group and National Parks & Wildlife Service to help control this problem. Accomodation is available at the Caves precinct and a Saturday night BBQ dinner is provided. Contact Trish Kidd on 02 6336 1972 or at trish.kidd@environment.nsw.gov.au for more information.

Ben Ricketts Environmental Preserve

Location: Jamberoo, on the Illawarra escarpment, South Coast NSW

Only a couple of hours south of Sydney, is a rainforest remnant which is being regenerated. Cabin accommodation and camping are available on the property. Landcare weekends are held at least four times a year. Saturday night dinner is provided. More info at www.benricketts.org.au/index3.html

Colo River

Location: Sydney, NSW

The Friends of the Colo River were set up to work on weed control, initially Willows, along the Colo River, north-east of Sydney.They combine the adventure of rafting in wilderness areas of the Blue Mountains with environmental work. Info at http://adzunk.ozehosting.com.foc.

Capertee Valley

Location; Central NSW, west of Lithgow.

The Capertee Valley Regent Honeyeater Recovery Group was established by Birdlife Australia to help conserve the endangered Regent Honeyeater in one of its last strongholds.
The recovery group carries out on-ground work to implement the national Recovery Plan and has planted over 104,000 trees and shrubs at various sites in the valley.
Events are held several times a year.
If you would like to get involved please Birdlife Australia Sydney office on 9647 1033 or at southernnsw@birdlife.org.au.

Adventure Conservation

This site, a side project of Willow Warriors, collates information on various projects with a more adventurous flavour.

Willow Warriors

The Willow Warriors grew out of the Friends of Colo and have spread their work to river systems in areas of high conservation value across south eastern Australia, controlling invasive willows and other woody weeds. They specialise in difficult to access river reaches in national parks and wilderness areas and mapping privately owned property. They undertake one day activities, car camping weekends and remote area over-night and multi-day trips. www.willowwarriors.org.au

Lord Howe Island.

The World Heritage listed Lord Howe Island has major weed problems which threaten the biodiversity of the island. Bush regeneration tours, which started more than 10 years ago, have proved to be very popular. They are a great combination of making a real contribution to the environment plus enjoying the many aspects of this magnificent island. The program is run by the Friends of Lord Howe and more information can be found on their website.

Bush Heritage Australia

Bush Heritage Australia, previously the Australian Bush Heritage Fund, buys high conservation value land and then manages it for preservation. They own properties in every state, some of which have opportunities for short stay working bees and longer volunteer ranger work. Information from info@bushheritage.org.au and at www.bushheritage.org They publish an e-newsletter with current information on a wide variety of volunteer activities, www.bushheritage.org.au/getting_involved/getting_involved_volunteer.

Australian Wildlife Conservancy

Australian Wildlife Conservancy owns and manages 21 properties covering more than 2.5 million hectares around Australia. Volunteering opportunities exist across a broad range of activities. These can range from biodiversity surveys to on-going land management work. Details at www.australianwildlife.org/Support-AWC/Volunteering.aspx

Wildcare

Wildcare run numerous programs in Tasmania. Well worth a look if you are interested in an adventurous holiday experience! www.wildcaretas.org.au/pages/home.php

Conservation Volunteers

Conservation Volunteers is a not-for-profit organisation whose mission is to attract and manage a force of volunteers in practical conservation projects for the betterment of the Australian environment. Find out more at www.conservationvolunteers.com.au