There are two endangered forest ecosystems: subtropical rainforest and swamp sclerophyll forest. The first is a dense and shady forest that benefits from the rich soil deposited by floods. The second is a more open forest of paperbarks, eucalypts and cabbage palms. Over 400 species of native plants, animals, and fungi have been recorded as living here, and it is one of the most biodiverse areas on the Central Coast. Landcare has helped it to recover from clearing before 1940, and from the subsequent freeway construction.
Clearing slowed during World War II, as farm workers joined the armed services. A weir and pumping station was built on the creek in 1977 to meet the increasing demand for town water. Also, local residents were appreciating the protective value of creek vegetation, reflected in our Landcare group being formed in 1998.
The site includes Council land along the creek and adjoining floodplain land acquired by Transport NSW for the freeway. Landcare volunteers have helped it regenerate since 2000, starting from patches of old-growth rainforest, and from remaining swamp sclerophyll forest. Wattles and other pioneer species helped protect denuded areas, and encouraged faster regeneration. State and federal grants, together with Council help, supported this volunteer endeavour. Currently, the more than 400 species of native biota make this area a hotspot of Central Coast biodiversity.