More than double the expected number of walkers turned up on Saturday 12 April to take part in a Landcare guided Kiama Coast Walk, a gentle but powerful reminder of how much local knowledge matters in caring for country.

The walk, which covered sections from the Little Blowhole to Minnamurra Headland, was part of the Kiama Coastal Community Planting Program, supported by a BUPA Healthy Cities Landcare Australia grant.

The Landcare Kiama Coastal walk started at Little Blowhole

It showcased the work of four local Landcare groups restoring native vegetation along the coastline

We gathered at the Little Blowhole where Landcare site coordinator Chris Powell welcomed the group.

Cr Melinda Lawton and Little Blowhole Landcare Coordiantor Chris Powell

From the very beginning, the tone was warm, curious and collaborative, with community members eager to learn and connect.

Three experts joined the walk and generously shared their time and insights: horticulturist, Carl Glaister, Landcare Illawarra coordinator Meredith Hall, and Landcare’s seed collector Brendon Hammond.

Landcare Illawarra Seed Collector Brendon Hammond

Their message was simple but crucial: local matters.

Carl pointed out that even native plants can cause harm if they are not native to this area.

Carl Glaister with a native not native to the area.

He showed examples of non-local natives that had been planted with good intentions but were not thriving or had disrupted the local ecology.

It was a clear reminder of why deep local knowledge, not just broad environmental awareness, is so important.

He also drew attention to three weeds of national significance that continue to threaten our coastal landscape: Agapanthus, Asparagus fern, and the deceptively beautiful but damaging Madeira Vine.

Asparagus vine and agapanthus thrive on either side of the Kendalls beach stairs

Many walkers were stunned to discover that the lush vine growing along the fence at the Surf Beach cabins was, in fact, Madeira vine, a fast-spreading invader that can smother native bushland and pull down mature trees

Madeira Vine thriving on the fence at Surf Beach cabins

The walk ended with a generous morning tea at Minnamurra Headland, where walkers mingled with Landcare volunteers and swapped stories over homemade treats.

For many, it wasn’t just about learning how to remove invasive weeds, it was about reconnecting to place, to purpose, and to one another.

Weeds to watch out for:

• Agapanthus (Agapanthus praecox): Often used in suburban gardens, agapanthus forms dense clumps that crowd out native plants. Its seeds spread easily via stormwater.

• Asparagus fern (Asparagus aethiopicus): 

• A vigorous woody herb with spiky leaves and an underground corn that needs to be removed. Its colourful berries are spread easily by birds.

• Madeira vine (Anredera cordifolia): This vine produces fleshy aerial tubers and can smother entire tree canopies. Despite its pretty heart-shaped leaves, it is a serious environmental threat.

For practical tips on how to remove these weeds safely and effectively see the following links:

•  Maderia Vine  
• Ground Asparagus (fern)  
• Agapanthus

Upcoming events in Landcare Kiama Coastal Community Planting program.

• Saturday 3 May | 10am – 12pm | Werri Beach and Werri Lagoon Book here

We know it is Election Day, but it will be a short walk.

And please join one, or more 😊, of the community plantings at the sites you visited:

• Saturday 10 May | Bombo Headland – Hosted by Bombo Headland Landcare Book here
• Saturday 17 May | Kendalls Beach (South End) – Hosted by Kaleula Headland Landcare Book here
• Sunday 18 May | Minnamurra – Hosted by Minnamurra Headland Landcare Book here
• Saturday 24 May | Werri Beach – Hosted by Werri Beach Dunecare Book here
• Saturday 31 May | Little Blowhole, Kiama – Hosted by Little Blowhole Landcare Book here

Friends and family are welcome. Even if you can come for a short time, it will help us plant 300 plants at each site.

And just contact Meredith Hall on 0499 027 770 with any questions about these events or Landcare Illawarra, at any time.