River-flat eucalypt forest would once have dominated Haunted Point on the northern side of the ridge above the Homestead and the Artist in‘s Residences. The area is gently sloping land between the base of the ridge and the riverbank and includes a low lying ephemeral wetland. From colonial days until the 1980s this country was grazed by cattle; a land use that was dis-continued prior to the establishment of Bundanon Trust. The transition from grazing saw the establishment of both native invasive plants and exotic weeds and natural regeneration is very low. With the support of the NSW Environmental Trust, Bundanon has commenced a three year project to restore resilience to this Endangered Ecological Community. The project is applying a variety of techniques including cultural burning, supplementary planting, manual and chemical weed control and exclusion fencing to protect the cultural and environmental values of this landscape.
The Haunted Point Loop track passes through the upper edge of the project site. From this track you can see some of the fenced planting plots which will protect new plantings from an abundance of nibbling and browsing wildlife. As these trees, shrubs and under-storey herbs and grasses become established and produce seed, it is anticipated that the natural processes of bushland regeneration will out-compete undesirable species.
2021 Plantings
Bundanon has completed its 2021 plantings at Haunted Point with support from the NSW Environmental Trust. Five fenced planting cells have been established within the 8h/a project site. Each cell has been cleared of weeds, covered with heavy jute matting and mulch. Each cell has been planted with 7 native trees and thirty grasses which are components of the Endangered Eucalypt Riverflat Forest.
The project has also seen extensive weed control of Moth vine, Lantana and Turkey rhubarb by both manual and chemical control techniques. Planting sites from 2020 are performing very well.
