We named the woodland after Mike O’Keeffe, the Armidale Tree Group’s first full-time manager (who has since passed away). Mike had amazing vision and helped to transform this area into what it has become today.

As trustees of this Crown reserve, the Armidale Tree Group was recognised as one of three finalists in the 2017 Department of Primary Industries Crown Reserve Trust – Corporate Manager’s Award.

The Black Gully Crown Reserve has been managed and restored by the Armidale Tree Group’s volunteers over the past 22 years. Over this time, the Tree Group’s vision to “Re-leaf New England” has resulted in the restoration of this remnant-threatened ribbon gum, mountain snow gum, grassy forest and woodland ecological community as both an educational and a leisure facility for the community.

This restoration has involved the construction of a large weir, extensive woody weed removal, the growing and planting of 5000 trees and shrubs, the construction of a bird hide, nesting boxes, boundary fences and gates, walking tracks, seating, and the erection of ecological signage throughout the reserve.

The local community has been provided with a peaceful, well-maintained bushland area within the city boundary. It provides local residents opportunities for walking, bird watching and placid recreational and leisure activities. Feedback from locals is overwhelmingly positive.

And restoration of native vegetation helps restore carbon in the soil and diminish Armidale's greenhouse gas emissions.

This is the first of a series of articles from Sustainable Living Armidale (SLA). Our aim is to present a wide variety of issues written by community members about climate change. In coming weeks there will be articles on health; the Armidale Community garden, how to choose an electricity retailer, current domestic battery technology, and tips for saving electricity. We welcome articles from other groups as well as suggested topics. Contact: info@slaati.org