BIG NOBBY PROJECT
This volunteer group of MLN has been in existence since 2019 and was started to address weed domination and maintain native vegetation on a headland south of Crescent Head township known as Big Nobby.
INTRODUCTION
Initially, two Macleay Landcare members were alarmed by the spread of the weed “Mother of Millions” through the kangaroo grass on the northern slope above Crescent Head golf course.
A couple of hours of bagging the weed convinced them that control of the outbreak was achievable. They roped in friends and the decision to become part of Landcare to try and grow the volunteer base was made.
In conjunction with this it was learned that local bush regenerators were part of the Save our Species program that was targeting the preservation of Pultenaea maritima (Coastal bush pea) and Themeda (kangaroo grass) on the hill and that our work would complement their efforts.
AIMS
To control weed spread and allow native plants to dominate the headland.
Goals
Establish an initial area that requires minimal revisitation and expand the area southward and westward.
Increase the knowledge of volunteers about the flora of the headland.
​
Our work has been recognised by Kempsey Shire Council and we have been successful in obtaining grants from Council. This allows for professional bush regenerators to be engaged to tackle areas that are too difficult for volunteers.
OUR ACTIVITIES
The group meets at 8am on the first Sunday of every month at the top tee of Crescent Head Golf Course, the intersection of Dulconghi and Stewart Streets. Work proceeds for 2 hours and morning tea is supplied and enjoyed at one of the spectacular lookout points on the headland.
A pre-session reconnaissance determines what area and weeds will be tackled and volunteers can choose what difficulty of work they will undertake. This can vary from sitting in grass and easy pulling of weeds or maybe removal and bagging of seed heads that allows others to follow up. There is scope for more adventurous activity into thickly vegetated areas along with vigorous digging in order to loosen larger weeds. Some cutting and dripping of poison onto severed trunks of large woody weeds is also undertaken by more experienced participants. Guidance as to what is a weed and what is not is always available with our overriding motto being “If in doubt, DO NOT pull it out!”
​
​
CONTACT US
Graeme Carrad -
0424 656 479
​
Some work is carried out at times other than the Sunday sessions and a phone message alerts volunteers to these times. Those who are able to assist are most welcome to attend.
​
Dress for an exposed headland location and that normally means long sleeves and trousers as well as a hat and closed in footwear. All necessary equipment including tools and personal protective equipment is supplied though, following Covid, most people supply their own gloves. It is prudent to bring drinking water.