Weedy vines are giving way to wildlife-friendly native plants in a new project at Lighthouse Beach.
The novel project is helping native birds by removing vine weeds that strangle rainforest trees.
Birds will then have access to plants like native grapes and native figs for food and shelter.
The rainforest that used to protect all of the beach was removed by sand mining decades ago, and its return is being hampered by weeds.
So Port Macquarie Landcare secured funding to tackle the weeds from Community Action Grants, as part of the Australian Government’s “Caring for Our Country” program.
“We are grateful that Lighthouse Beach is getting the funding it deserves,” said Landcare’s Julie Ho. “It’s the best way to restore our beautiful rainforest, as it will help the birds that bring in seeds from places like Sea Acres.”
Work on the $19,540 project called Releasing Ecological Brakes has already started not far from the surf club.
Bush regenerators will complete the work before the middle of 2012, helped by Landcare volunteers.
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council guides the work through its plans for bushland management.
Council’s ecologist Bill Peel said the project will help return rainforest to the whole of the beach much more quickly, and will remove a source of weeds.
Some of the vines to be removed are morning glory, white passionfruit and cape ivy.
