The
Killcare Wagstaffe Trust, "The
Trust", seeks
to preserve the
natural values of the area and its general ambiance, and to promote a
sense of community and place.
In line with this aim of "The Trust", major planning and
development proposals in the area are reviewed and a report made to the
next general or committee meeting. Where it is thought appropriate, a
response is made to Gosford City Council...
Visit our CURRENT PROJECTS page for information on recent events.
To find out more or join The Killcare Wagstaffe Trust, go to our "Who We Are" page and download a membership form.
This website is dedicated to
two amazing people, "The Stroms". Allen
and Beryl had a lifetime involvement in the environmental movement and
cultural heritage of New South Wales.
The Strom house, situated within Bouddi National Park, has been bequeathed, with all their archives, to the NPWS for use as an environmental centre.
Allen
and Beryl were very much involved in the negotiations that
led to
the establishment of the NPWS in 1967 and were passionate advocates for
healthy, sustainable natural and built environments.
They were an inspirational couple, making countless historic
studies,
site inspections, proposals and additions for national Parks, numerous
committees and the formation of the Environmental Education Association
on the Central Coast. They both worked very hard for the
Killcare
Wagstaffe Trust.
What's New
Camphor Laurel eradication.
The Camphor Laurel (Cinnamomum camphor) is a native of China. It was
introduced to Australia in the 1820s as an ornamental tree for use in
gardens and public parks. The first ones were sent as cuttings
from Kew Gardens in England and were being propagated by the NSW Royal
Botanic Gardens for distribution throughout the growing colony by the
1830’s. Their bright green foliage is a stark contrast to the darker
eucalyptus leaves and it is thought that their introduction represented
an attempt to make the Australian landscape more European looking.
The
seeds are attractive to birds and pass intact through the digestive
system, ensuring rapid distribution. It invades areas where forests
have been cleared or disturbed, usually for pasture or cultivation.
Although they prefer wetter regions, they are spreading further up
catchments and hillsides, and westward into drier areas with poorer
soils. It has been declared a noxious weed in many parts of Queensland
and New South Wales.
The massive and spreading root systems disrupt urban drainage and
sewerage systems and degrade river banks. The camphor content of the
leaf litter helps prevent other plants from germinating successfully,
helping to ensure the camphor's success against any potentially
competing vegetation.
At a recent committee meeting it was mentioned that there were a
growing number of small to medium sized camphor laurels scattered over
the peninsula. As they can turn into very large trees it would be
prudent to do what we can to minimise the infestation and perhaps
virtually eradicate them.
The first step is to identify each individual on the peninsula. We ask
that members keep a note of any camphor laurels they notice and report
them via email (killcare@gmail.com) or mail (PO Box 4009
Wagstaffe) or at the next meeting.
Camphor Laurels can be identified by strong yellow leaf veins and
distinctive sweet smell when leaves are crushed . If you are having
difficulty identifying the plant contact the Trust. Eradication is by
frilling and scraping and painting .
Future actions include encouraging the community, starting with our own
members to get rid of any on our own properties and negotiating with
council and the NPWS to get rid of any on their reserves.