Tomaree’s wildflowers are a winter-spring treat

A SERIES of bushwalks will bring attention to the region’s “often under appreciated” wildflowers.

“We’re offering a series of short slow-paced walks, just 2-2.5 hours, with different leaders, including National Parks Association (NPA) Hunter Region President John Simpson,” said Port Stephens NPA coordinator Sue Olsson.

“These walks are designed to help you learn about our wildflowers, their names and curiosities.

“The weekday walks are timed to enable those who do school drop-offs and pick-ups to also participate.

“Usually from late Winter through Spring they (wildflowers) are glorious – though in Autumn there are many areas that look fantastic too.

“And we have a spectacular array of ground orchids throughout most of the year.”

“Wildflower names and curiosities” walks are offered on Sunday 10 August, Tuesday 26 August, Thursday 11 September and Saturday 13 September.

Another day walk, “Wildflower wander on high trails and low trails” on Wednesday 20 August, will explore Tomaree’s floral beauty and diversity, rather than learning the plants.

The walks take place in an area of Tomaree National Park’s hinterland, behind Fingal Beach township.

There’s woody heathlands, with some trees and a diverse array of understory heathy-type plants.

The sandy soils are nutrient-poor, and the plants have specific adaptations to cope in these conditions and with differing fire regimes, creating a mosaic of floral diversity.

The abundant pollen and nectar in heathlands attract a diverse array of nectar-feeding insects, birds and mammals, contributing to the overall faunal diversity.

Bookings are required for all walks. Visit www.ecops.au/walk-ps.