For the past 6 years, Northern Beaches Council has been quietly working some serious magic in our local wetlands. Thanks to support from the NSW Environmental Trust’s Saving our Species grant, Council has been restoring and protecting some of the most precious natural spaces in our region. Biodiversity Month is the perfect time to celebrate these wins.

Did you know the Northern Beaches is home to 4 major freshwater wetlands? These lush, green havens found in North Narrabeen, Warriewood and Dee Why. They are more than just pretty places; they’re vital homes and breeding grounds for all kinds of wildlife. 

You’ll find herons, swamp hens, kingfishers, bitterns, fishing bats, turtles and frogs. They even offer a safe pit-stop for migratory birds flying epic distances. 

Over the past few years, we’ve:

• Expanded bush regeneration to tackle invasive weeds threatening wetland health.
• Protected threatened vegetation communities, including Freshwater Wetlands, Swamp Oak and Swamp Mahogany Forests, and Littoral Rainforest.
• Reconnected wildlife corridors, helping animals move safely between habitats.
• Improved water flow and hydrology, making the wetlands healthier and more resilient.

Tackling troublemakers! 

Some of the biggest troublemakers in the wetlands that we’ve tamed are:

• Ludwigia – forms thick colonies that mess with water flow
• Salvinia – floats on the surface and sucks up oxygen, making life tough for aquatic critters
• Coral trees – spiny and toxic, they trap sediment and crowd out native plants.

By removing these invasive species, we’ve helped native plants and animals thrive again.

Come see for yourself

Next time you’re wandering through one of these wetland areas, take a moment to look around. Notice the unique plants, listen for frogs or birds, and tread lightly as these ecosystems are delicate and full of life.

Find out more about our local wetlands including the self-guided Warriewood Wetland Walk and keep an eye out for our next guided wetland walk on our What's On page. 

This project has been made possible by the NSW Government through its Environmental Trust's Saving Our Species grant.