Bushcare
Sign up to be a bushcare volunteer
What is bushcare?
Hornsby Shire Council Bushcare program has been running since 1989. The program is one of the earliest and one of the largest in New South Wales. Bushcare volunteers restore bushland areas and help creating a better natural environment for current and future generations. There are 400 registered volunteers working at 65 different sites across Hornsby Shire, stretching from North Epping in the south to Glenorie in the north and Dangar Island in the east.
What do bushcare volunteers do?
Bushcare volunteers contribute to the restoration of degraded bushland areas into healthy natural ecosystems. Volunteers control weeds, improve native animal habitat and plant local native species. Bushcare is a great program where you can enjoy the outdoors, make friends and learn about nature.
Find a bushcare group near you
Use our interactive map to find a Bushcare group located near you.
New Bub Bushcare
If you are a parent wanting to join Bushcare but feeling overwhelmed with a new baby at home, check out our New Bub Bushcare group. Enjoy one hour of free babysitting while you Bushcare. With babysitting on hand, you may even get to drink the free tea and coffee while it is still warm!
Find out more
Become a bushcare volunteer
How do I join?
If you would like to contribute to the conservation and the rehabilitation of Hornsby Shire‘s bushland areas, look no further, our Bushcare program is for you!
If you would like to become a Bushcare volunteer,
- Use our interactive map to find a Bushcare group located near you or we can send you the details of a suitable Bushcare group in your area.
- Fill in the short online application form and we will contact you to invite you to an on-site session.
Sign up online
Who can join?
Anyone caring for their local bushland reserves. Bushcare volunteers are all ages and come from all walks of life.
What commitment is required?
Most Bushcare groups meet once a month for around three hours. Days and times vary from group to group.
When do Bushcare groups meet?
Most Bushcare groups meet routinely for 3 hours, once a month. Days and times vary from group to group.
What do I need to know?
No prior knowledge is required. Just bring along your enthusiasm! Council offers an introductory workshop to all Bushcare volunteers as well as on-site training. All Bushcare groups are supervised by an experienced and qualified supervisor.
Bushcare news
All the latest news about bushcare in Hornsby Shire
Newsletters
Your Hornsby Shire Council Bushcare Newsletter for volunteers.
ENews – July 2025
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
Bushcare volunteer resources
Learn more about bush regeneration with these great resources
Bushcare Calendar 2025(PDF, 26MB)
Bushcode(PDF, 18MB)
The Bushcode outlines the terms of agreement and procedures that guide the operation of Council's Bushcare Program.
Standard Operating Procedures(PDF, 427KB)
Sensational Spiders by Dr Helen Smith(PDF, 6MB)
Learn fascinating facts about our local spiders from bushcare volunteer Dr Helen Smith.
Hornsby Online Herbarium
The herbarium contains scans and photographs of around 950 native plants found in Hornsby Shire and around 300 introduced plants.
Native and weed look-alikes
The "Look-Alikes" booklet provides information on native plants and weeds that look similar. This field guide illustrates differences between over 100 natives and weeds in Hornsby Shire
Native grasses workshop booklet(PDF, 1MB)
Includes 15 common native grasses as well as 18 exotic grasses that have naturalised across the Hornsby Shire. Descriptions include details on typical occurrences, habitats, control methods and propagation.
Free guided bushwalks
Find out about upcoming guided bushwalks in Hornsby Shire.
Phytophthora Protocols and Identifying Myrtle Rust
Phytophthora and Myrtle Rust are exotic pathogens that damage bushland ecology and cause species loss in certain susceptible areas. These documents provide vital information for volunteers and contractors working in bushland.
Case Studies and Special Projects
Bushcare photo competition
View the winning photos of the bushcare 2024 photo competition.