Wallendbeen Cemetery has been identified as an exceptional example of remnant threatened box-gum woodland. Photo: Nicky Godber/Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council.
A surprising conservation success story is unfolding in the NSW South West Slopes, as local cemeteries, often viewed as solemn places of remembrance, are doubling as vibrant havens for native plants and wildlife.
In a landscape heavily shaped by agriculture, these cemeteries — including those at Stockinbingal and Wallendbeen near Cootamundra, and Monteagle, near the Hilltops town of Young — are among the few remaining areas that still herald rare natural vegetation and habitats.
Monteagle Cemetery, for instance, contains one of the last remaining original patches of grassy whitebox woodland in NSW.
Now, thanks to the collaborative efforts of local councils and the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust (BCT) these small plots of land are not only being recognised for the vital role they play in providing these habitats for native species, but there are now efforts being made to ensure their ecological significance is preserved.
Nicky Godber, a regulatory compliance officer with Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council (CGRC), says local councils are now focused on managing, maintaining and monitoring the cemeteries for the species that inhabit them.
“While small country cemeteries may seem an unlikely place to manage biodiversity for future generations,” she said, “these areas are helping protect our unique plants and animal species, such as chocolate lilies, bluebells and superb parrots.”
But, for her, the project extends beyond conservation to community.
“Our small and historical cemeteries are really important to locals and provide a vital sense of connection to the area,” Nicky said.
“It’s important that we care for these places for the long term, and that means also taking steps to manage them in a way that protects our native plants and animals.”
NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust senior ecologist Mason Crane says the small cemeteries and the volunteers and workers that manage them, are one of the region’s unique successes.
“Cemeteries might seem an unusual place for biodiversity conservation, but they’re essential to conservation in our area as they’re essentially islands of native vegetation that have been left to function in an otherwise highly modified agricultural landscape,” he said.
Two cemeteries in particular, Stockinbingal and Wallendbeen, stand out as prime examples, he said.
“They are both exceptional examples of remnant threatened box-gum woodlands which has otherwise been heavily cleared,” Mr Crane said.
“An understorey diverse in natives is particularly well preserved in these locations, as well as old grandmother box trees with large hollows providing important habitat for arboreal mammals and birds.”
He emphasised the collaborative nature of the project, which extends beyond CGRC with the BCT actively working with other councils, including neighbouring Coolamon and Hilltops councils, to secure and manage additional cemetery sites with significant biodiversity value.
“We’re working with other councils to secure further cemetery vegetation, which is a gold mine for biodiversity in heavily cleared landscapes,” Mr Crane said.
The support offered by the BCT includes grant funding for initiatives such as fencing, pest control, and weed management.
These measures help ensure the ecological integrity of these sites is maintained while allowing them to continue serving their primary purpose as places of reflection and remembrance, Mr Crane said.
Explore a Conservation Cemetery
For those interested in experiencing these unique conservation efforts firsthand, several cemeteries in the NSW South West Slopes and Riverina region welcome visitors:
- Stockinbingal: Grogan Road, Stockinbingal
- Wallendbeen: Off North Jindalee Road, Wallendbeen
- North Berry Jerry: Lynham Lane, Berry Jerry
- Marrar: Canola Way, Marrar
- Monteagle: 14 Sads Lane, Monteagle.
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