Blue Gum High Forest

Critically endangered Blue Gum High Forest

Campaign credits

‘#SayHighForest’ is a Hornsby Shire Council initiative, part of our ‘Protecting our Forests’ campaign, supported by the NSW Government through its Environmental Trust.

Hornsby Shire Council expresses sincere gratitude to everyone who volunteered to feature in this video, and acknowledges the generosity of spirit, time, and talent from the entire team behind ‘Hi Forest’. Many contributed pro bono or at greatly reduced rates.

DOP, Colourist, Online Editor, Co-Director: Matt Horspool
Producers: Chris Seeto, Jake Scarbrough, Jeannette Stannard (Hornsby Shire Council)
Editor: Kiera Leather
Writer / Director: Lisa McLeod (Hornsby Shire Council)
Location Sound: Ben Hooft
First AC: Pat Suraseang
Sound Mix: Tremor Sound Labs
Production Assistants: Rachel Hawke (Hornsby Shire Council), Emma Hyland (Hornsby Shire Council), Sam Larkin (Hornsby Shire Council)
Bushcare Coordinator: Jean-Philippe Kecman (Hornsby Shire Council)
Powerful Owl Advisor: Michael Bianchino
Animal Wranglers: Anthony Stimson, (Australian Wildlife Displays), Rolf Poole (Hornsby Shire Council)
Stills Photographer: Magdalena Aleksandrowicz
Webpages / GIS mapping: Sean O’Hagan (Hornsby Shire Council), Heath Fitzsimmons (Hornsby Shire Council), Stephen Pym (Hornsby Shire Council)
Grant application / advisory support: Jeannette Stannard, Stephen Pym, David Green, Leanne Johnston, Donna Fitton and so many more members of the Environment Team at Hornsby Shire Council

Only 5% remains…

Come visit, fall in love and help us protect our Blue Gum High Forest.

Let's all #SayHighForest

Move the slider to compare Blue Gum High Forest over time.

17 actions you can do to help protect Blue Gum High Forest

Visit

The best ways to experience Blue Gum High Forest in Hornsby Shire

To appreciate the majesty of the Blue Gum High Forest, a visit is a must.

View the interactive map

Dog Pound Creek Walk

BlueGum child shoulder

The most majestic example of Blue Gum Diatreme Forest* occurs at Dog Pound Creek Bushland Reserve.

This spectacular 1.6km return walk begins on Warrigal Drive, next to the Westleigh Rural Fire Service building.

*Blue Gum Diatreme Forest is an extremely rare and fertile subtype of Blue Gum High Forest. It grows in soil from an ancient volcanic diatreme formed 200 million years ago, and can't be found anywhere else in the world.

Ginger Meggs Loop Walk

BGHF girls running

Starting at Ginger Meggs Park, admire more of the Blue Gum Diatreme Forest as you ramble along the management trail and bushwalking track of Hornsby Valley’s 1km Ginger Meggs Loop Walk(PDF, 3MB). A section of this loop is part of the longer Blue Gum Walk.

Blue Gum Walk

Blue Gum and Great North Walk

Hike the full 4km Blue Gum Walk(PDF, 2MB) in the Hornsby Valley. Rosemead Road Picnic area makes a great starting place, or you can join from the Ginger Meggs Loop Walk starting at Ginger Meggs Park.

Playgrounds

Grab a coffee or pack a picnic and head to play spaces for the kids surrounded by remnant Blue Gum High Forest.

Visit New Farm Road Reserve in West Pennant Hills, Fearnley Park in Beecroft, Kenley Park in Normanhurst, or The Lakes of Cherrybrook with access-friendly walkways.

Free guided walks

Guided walks

Join one of our free guided bushwalks.
Look out for walks that mention Blue Gum High Forest.

Guided walks

Bushland tracks and trails

*Our free guided bushwalks cater for all. Choose from beginner bushwalks for those with limited fitness, right through to challenging half-day bushwalks. Kids' bushwalks and nature events are also provided. Not to forget our furry four-legged friends - we also run guided bushwalks for well-socialised dogs and their human companions.