Wyndham cemetery.
21 October 2024
Bega Valley Shire Council and the Atlas of Life invite community members to Wyndham Cemetery on Saturday 2 November from 11am to 3pm for an exciting and educational 'Life in our Cemeteries' event.
This special event offers the chance to explore the rich natural and cultural heritage of the town through guided 'Walk and Talk' sessions led by local experts, including:
- Jackie Miles, botanist, on the local flora
- Fiona Firth, historian, on the historical significance of the site
- Deb Taylor, invertebrate expert, on the small creatures that call the cemetery home.
"We're excited to be offering this next chapter in our popular citizen science program," Council's Environmental Management Officer, Erin Moon said.
"Participants will gain insights into the cemetery's diverse ecosystems, which offer a glimpse into the landscape as it might have been before extensive land clearing.
"The walk will be followed by a light lunch and engaging talks from the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and Potoroo Palace."
Ms Moon said Rachel Butterworth from NPWS will discuss the proposed koala reintroduction to South East Forests National Park, which surrounds Wyndham.
"The koala translocation program is a key action under the NSW Koala Strategy, and Rachel will provide valuable insights into the program and the science that underpins this conservation measure," she said.
"Adrian McBeth from NPWS will also talk about the Nungatta Feral Predator Free Project, discussing the releases of other native animals and the objectives of the project.
"Events like this not only help to raise awareness of the shire's biodiversity but also highlight the importance of conserving these unique spaces for future generations.
"Wyndham Cemetery, like many of the rural cemeteries in the Bega Valley, offers more than a resting place for those who have passed. With so many stories to tell and an abundance of biodiversity, they are places literally brimming with life."
The cemetery is located on Umback Road. Everyone is welcome to attend, and participants are encouraged to document what they discover on the iNaturalist app, which helps identify the plants, insects and animals observed during the event.
A light lunch will be provided, making it the perfect opportunity to connect with fellow nature lovers and learn from experts about the natural world.
For more information and to register, visit the event booking page.
