Threatened Forests
Blue Gum High Forest
This is a moist, tall open forest community, with dominant canopy trees of Sydney Blue Gum Eucalyptus saligna and Blackbutt E. pilularis. Forest Oak Allocasuarina torulosa and Sydney Red Gum Angophora costata also occur. Species adapted to moist habitat such as Lillypilly Acmena smithii, Sandpaper Fig Ficus coronata, Soft Bracken Calochleana dubia and Maiden Hair Adiantum aethiopicum may also occur.
Only 37 ha of Blue Gum High Forest remains in Hornsby Shire, most of which has been modified or degraded and is critically endangered. Often these areas consist of clumps of trees in urban landscapes in less developed sites such as Council reserves, large backyards, creek lines and schoolyards. These sites are of natural heritage significance as they are remnants of past vegetation. They contain genetic material indigenous to the area and provide habitat for native fauna including threatened species and endangered populations. They also form parts of vegetation corridors and urban habitat links and contribute to the landscape character of the suburb.
Many people would drive along Boundary Rd, Pennant Hills every day and not realise they are passing through a Blue Gum High Forest remnant. (see picture at right)
Local examples
Blue Gum High Forest can be seen in several areas of Hornsby Shire including Epping, Beecroft, Hornsby, Pennant Hills and Thornleigh.
Major threats to Blue Gum High Forest remnants include:
- Property development which leads to further fragmentation and increased nutrients and weed growth.
- Mowing and clearing understorey plants.
For more information download Blue Gum High Forest fact sheet - 200kb or visit www.threatenedspecies.environment.nsw.gov.au.
Sydney Turpentine Ironbark Forest
This is an open forest community and the dominant canopy trees are Sydney Turpentine (Syncarpia glomulifera), Grey Ironbark (Eucalyptus paniculata) and Sydney Redgum (Angophora costata). Common understorey shrubs include Sweet Pittosporum (Pittosporum undulatum), Hop Bush (Dodonaea triquetra), Elderberry Panax (Polyscias sambucifolia) and Sickle Wattle (Acacia falcata).
In open grassy areas, Kangaroo Grass (Themeda australis) and Blady Grass (Imperata cylindrica) are common.
Only 195 ha of Sydney Turpentine-Ironbark Forest remains in Hornsby Shire, in urban, rural ands roadside areas with similar fragmentation and weed issues to Blue Gum High Forest areas.
Local examples
Sydney Turpentine Ironbark Forest can be seen at Reddy Park in Hornsby and Carrs Bush at Fagan Park in Galston. Ironbarks also line Old Northern Rd and some small remnants are often seen on private properties and school grounds from Cherrybrook to Glenorie.
Major threats to Sydney Turpentine Ironbark Forests include:
- Property development which leads to further fragmentation and increased nutrients and weed growth
- Mowing and clearing understorey plants
- Rubbish and green waste dumping
- Cattle or sheep grazing
For more information download Sydney Turpentine Ironbark fact sheet - 500kb or visit www.threatenedspecies.environment.nsw.gov.au.
