While often a quiet and peaceful place, there is still life to be found at the cemetery in the NSW Far South Coast town of Wyndham.
The next event in the popular Life in Our Cemeteries series will be held in the cemetery next month and will feature a walk, talks, lunch and insights into the program that aims to reintroduce koalas into the surrounding area.
Participants can explore the rich natural and cultural heritage of the town through guided ‘Walk and Talk’ sessions led by local experts.
Botanist Jackie Miles will speak about the local flora, historian Fiona Firth will talk about the historical significance of the site, while invertebrate expert Deb Taylor will discuss the small creatures that call the cemetery home.
“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,” Bega Valley Shire Council’s environmental management officer Erin Moon said.
“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 event’s walk will be followed by a light lunch and talks from the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and Potoroo Palace.
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,” Ms Moon 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.”
The Life in our Cemeteries event will be held at Wyndham Cemetery, which is on Umback Road in Wyndham, on 2 November from 11 am to 3 pm.
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.
For more information and to register for the free event, visit the event booking page.