The Nyngan community came together recently on the banks of the Bogan River for a ‘Biodiversity Breakfast’ as part of the Bogan River Bushcare project.

Attended by community volunteers, Nyngan High School staff and students, Local Land Services representatives and representatives of the Save Our Species NSW Government group, participants heard discussions on the vital role that biodiversity plays in healthy ecosystems.

Bogan River Bushcare Group and Biosecurity Weeds Officer Karen Francis said it was a great morning for people to learn about what is happening in their area when it comes to protecting and sustaining the environment.

“Local Lands Service (LLS) representatives spoke about the importance of biodiversity in the environment to sustain healthy ecosystems, with biodiversity including all forms of flora and fauna.

“LLS says that everyone is encouraged and welcome to get involved in community conservation by joining groups in your local are such as Citizen Scientists and SaveOurSpecies, with the more people learning about the topic the better our care of the environment will be.

Members of the Local Land Service on hand to discuss all things biodiversity at the Breakfast held on the banks of the Bogan. [Image Bogan Shire Council]

“Members of the Save Our Species group touched on several topics, one of them being the importance of Mistletoe.

“A misunderstood and underrated plant, Mistletoe plays a significant role in providing habitat and food for many animals from small insects, birds and local mammals.

Elle Montgomery and Lily Francis planting trees along the Bogan River. [Image Bogan Shire Council]

“Another great program that was discussed was the ‘Bats in our Backyard Program.’

"Members of the public can sign up and apply for a small device to put in their backyard which will record any bat calls that occur.

“We have several micro bats which occur in our shire, most of which have high pitch calls that we cannot hear.

"The device records the sounds and is then sent back for the sounds to be analysed, to exactly identify which species occur in our area.

“A printout of the results is then returned letting people know what was found. NSW Bats in Backyards is an easy-to-follow program with simple instructions and a fantastic way to involve kids and families in environmental study,” said Mrs Francis.

Greater Broad Nosed Bat one of the bat species under threat [Image Australian Museum]

Mrs Francis on behalf of the Bogan River Bushcare group shared information about local issues such as invasive cacti and biological controls used to help eradicate prickly pear.

“We are breeding Cactoblastitis moth and cochineal scale insect controls and then spreading them to problem areas in the bush to aid in the spread of the cacti.

According to Mrs Francis Bogan Shire has an amazing diversity of flora and fauna, and following talks, locals planted River red gums and Acaias along the riverbank as a way of stopping soil erosion.

“It was the perfect weather to enjoy being at the river and sharing our passions and stories about what we do.”

“To look after all aspects of our local environment, it is important that we look after all of our native plants and animals big and small,” said Mrs Francis.

Bogan Shire Council have invested in a number of projects to improve the health and enjoyment of the Bogan River at Nyngan. [IMAGE: Western Plains App]

Bogan Shire General Manager Derek Francis said events such as these are a great learning experience and a way to promote care of the land.

“Bogan Shire Council has invested resources into developing our Bogan River Bushcare project with the support of our community.

“It’s great to see that being recognised, and flourishing into a partnership with Local Land Services.

“We were more than happy to host the breakfast and see the great work that our Bogan River Bushcare group is doing in and for the community,” said Mr Francis.