Work to transform Umina Beach’s Guyangil Park into a nature reserve is underway following concerns wildlife and native plants had been neglected.
Local volunteers from GUST (Grow Urban Shade Trees) commenced phase one of the project by planting over 400 hundred plants on October 30.
In December, Umina Community Group was successful in receiving a Communities Environment Program grant after an invitation from Member for Robertson Lucy Wicks.
The group purchased 600 native plants, shrubs and trees with the money.
GUST says funding has been promised by Central Coast Council to further develop the park, but due to the recent suspension of the Council, the funding is expected to be put on hold.
Umina Community group and GUST member, Debbie Sunartha, said upgrades to the park will be beneficial for both the community and the environment.
“This park had been neglected for some time and it is hoped that the planting of local species of groundcovers, grasses, shrubs and trees will provide a food source and shelter for native birds and animals,” Sunartha said.
“It will help to provide a vital connection with other wildlife corridors enabling many bird species to move safely from one area to another within the constraints of a dense urban environment.
“Once completed, we hope that it will be a place for families to escape their busy lives and connect with nature.”
The range of plants in the reserve include those of the endangered ecological community of the UCSW (Umina Coastal Sandplain Woodland) such as Notolaea longifolia, Hibbertia vestita, Hakea sericea, kangaroo grass and Banksia ericifolia.
Phase two of the works is expected to commence in 2021 with further plantings, a pathway and a nature play space planned.
Maisy Rae