Plants animals

Plants/flora

The vegetation communities of the bushcare site and South Lawson Park can be broadly divided into two categories.

A. Degraded indigenous plant communities — Modified Bushland

Some of the indigenous plant communities that grow along the upper reaches of Lawson Creek have been degraded by introduced plant species (see weed list below), or by infrastructure development, such as pipe and power line construction. Weeds dominate or intermingle with small stands of indigenous plants. Infrastructure development disturbs natural soil profiles, and this can lead to severe erosion.

Modified bushland: indigenous flora and weeds in foreground Feb 2020 Photo: P Ardill
Modified bushland: indigenous flora, with foreground weeds being treated Feb 2020 Photo: P Ardill

B. Intact indigenous plant communities

Despite degrading human impacts, expanses of thriving, intact indigenous vegetation can still be found throughout the bushcare site and South Lawson Park. There are four indigenous vegetation communities in the Park.

  • Open-forest, characterised by two tree communities with open canopies, that allow a reasonable amount of penetration by sunlight. The sunlight supports a shrub layer, and a ground layer of grasses and herbs.
  • Densely vegetated stream (or riparian) strips.
  • Swamps.
  • Small patches of rainforest.

  • Eucalyptus sieberi woodland South Lawson Park Dec 2018 Photo: P Ardill
  • 2. Riparian zone, Lawson Creek Photo: P Ardill 2017
  • Healthy swamp, Waratah Street regeneration area Feb 2020 Photo: P Ardill
  • Rainforest glade South Lawson Park Photo: V Hong 2017

To view the locations of each of these plant communities, visit the Blue Mountains City Council website at https://www.bmcc.nsw.gov.au/development/developing-land/property-search and click on View Interactive Maps. Search South Lawson Park and access Menu/Vegetation community.

1. Open-forest

These forests are also referred to as eucalypt forests, or “gum tree” forests. They are characterised by four medium to tall tree species. Shrubs, grasses and herbs are also present. At South Lawson Park the open-forest community is comprised of two tree groupings.

A. Eucalyptus piperita (Sydney Peppermint) – Angophora costata (Smooth-barked Apple)

B. Corymbia gummifera (Red Bloodwood) – Eucalyptus sieberi (Black or Silvertop Ash).

The open-forest community is the most extensive form of vegetation in South Lawson Park. The trees and shrubs of the open-forest community have evolved to grow on sandstone based soils, which are characterised by low to average fertility and high levels of drainage.

Woodland (Eucalyptus and Angophora species) bordering denser riparian vegetation in background, Lawson Creek, December 2017 Photo: P Ardill
Open-forest (Eucalyptus and Angophora species) foreground bordering dense Lawson Creek riparian vegetation in background December 2017 Photo: P Ardill

Here is a list of Open-forest tree, shrub and ground-layer species that grow on the bushcare site and in South Lawson Park (not exhaustive).

Acacia terminalis Sunshine Wattle

Angophora costata Smooth-barked Apple, tree

Angophora costata Lawson Creek Photo: V Hong 2017
Angophora costata Lawson Creek Photo: V Hong 2017
Angophora costata x 2, Cataract Creek, 2020 Photo: E Carmichael
Two x Angophora costata, Cataract Creek, 2020 Photo: E Carmichael

Banksia spinulosa var. spinulosa Hairpin Banksia

Banksia spinulosa var. spinulosa Lawson Creek Photo: P Ardill February 2024
Banksia spinulosa var. spinulosa Lawson Creek Photo: P Ardill February 2024

Banksia serrata Old Man Banksia

Billardiera scandens Apple Berry, climber

Cassytha pubescens Devil’s Twine, climber

Caustis flexuosa Old Man’s Beard

Corymba gummifera Red Bloodwood, tree

Dampiera stricta, small shrub

Daviesia corymbosa Narrow Leaf Bitter Pea, shrub

Dianella caerulea, Blue Flax Lily

Dianella: V Hong
Dianella sp. Lawson 2017 Image: V Hong

Dillwynia retorta, shrub

Entolasia sp. Right-angled grass

Entolasia sp. grass Lawson Photo: V Hong
Entolasia sp. grass Lawson 2017 Image: V Hong

Eucalyptus piperita Sydney Peppermint, tree

Impressive Eucalyptus piperita Lawson Creek Photo: P Ardill February 2024
Impressive Eucalyptus piperita Lawson Creek Photo: P Ardill February 2024

Eucalyptus sp. likely racemosa Scribbly Gum, tree

Eucalyptus sieberi Black or Silvertop Ash, tree

Eucalyptus sieberi forest Lawson Creek Dec 2018 Photo: P Ardill
Grove of Eucalyptus sieberi Lawson Creek Dec 2018 Photo: P Ardill

Gompholobium sp., shrub

Goodenia bellidifolia, 

Grevillea sp., shrub

Grevillea sp. Photo: V Hong
Grevillea sp. Lawson 2017 Image: V Hong

Hakea dactyloides, shrub/small tree

Hakea salicifolia, shrub/small tree

Hakea sericea Needlebush, tall shrub

Hakea teretifolia Dagger Hakea

Hakea teretifolia Lawson Creek Photo: P Ardill February 2024
Hakea teretifolia Lawson Creek Photo: P Ardill February 2024

Hermarthria uncinata Matgrass (in disturbed regeneration area), grass

Isopogon anemonifolius Drumsticks, shrub

Kunzea ambigua Tick Bush, tall shrub, small tree

Kunzea ambigua with Angophora costata background Photo: P Ardill 2021
Kunzea ambigua with Angophora costata background Photo: P Ardill 2021

Lambertia formosa Mountain Devil, shrub

Mountain Devil flower, Cascade Creek, Feb 2020 Photo: P Ardill
Mountain Devil, Cataract Creek, 2020 Photo: P Ardill

Leptospermum polygalifolium Tea-tree, small tree

Leptospermum trinervium Flaky-bark Tea-tree, small tree

Flaky-bark Tea-tree forest, Lawson Creek riparian zone Feb 2019 Photo: P Ardill
Flaky-bark Tea-tree grove, Lawson Creek Feb 2019 Photo: P Ardill

Leucopogon lanceolatus, shrub

Lomandra longifolia

Lomandra obliqua

Lomatia silaifolia

Lycopodium deuterodensum Club moss

Microlaena stipoides Weeping Meadow grass

Patersonia sericea Native Iris

Persoonia levis Broad-leaved Geebung, shrub

Persoonia mollis, shrub

Petrophile pulchella, shrub

Petrophile sp. Photo: V Hong 2017
Petrophile sp. Lawson 2017 Image: V Hong 2017

Platysace linearifolia, small shrub, white flowers

Platysace linearifolia Lawson Creek Photo: P Ardill February 2024
Platysace linearifolia Lawson Creek Photo: P Ardill February 2024

Polyscias sambucifolia Elderberry Panax, shrub

Polyscias sambucifolia, regeneration area Feb 2019 Photo: P Ardill
Polyscias sambucifolia, regeneration area Feb 2019 Photo: P Ardill

Pteridium esculentum Bracken Fern

Bracken fern Photo: V Hong 2017
Bracken fern 2017 Image: V Hong

Stephania japonica Snake Vine

Snake Vine Stephania japonica Photo: K Hising/BMCC 2022
Snake Vine Stephania japonica Photo: K Hising/BMCC 2022

Xanthorrhoea species Grass Tree with brown fruits (capsules)

Xanthorrhoea species Grass Tree Lawson Creek Photo: P Ardill 2021
Xanthorrhoea species Grass Tree Lawson Creek Photo: P Ardill 2021

2. Blue Mountains Riparian Complex

The banks of Lawson Creek feature richer than average soils, due to the presence of deposited alluviums. These soils support moisture loving plants, such as ferns and the small tree species, Black Wattle. Banksias, hakeas, acacias and tea-trees are also present, sometimes in dense groves.

Riparian vegetation Lawson Creek December 2017 Photo: P Ardill
Riparian vegetation Lawson Creek December 2017 Photo: P Ardill

Acacia elata Cedar Wattle, tree

Acacia elata Cedar Wattle Photo: P Ardill
Acacia elata Cedar Wattle Waratah St 2020 Photo: P Ardill

Blechnum nudum Fishbone Fern

Blechnum nudum fern Lawson Creek Photo: V Hong 2017
Blechnum nudum fern Lawson Creek 2017 Image: V Hong

Callicoma serratifolia Black Wattle, small tree often dense groves

Callicoma serratifolia Black Wattle Lawson Creek Nov 2021 Source: P Ardill
Callicoma serratifolia Black Wattle Lawson Creek Nov 2021 Source: P Ardill
Dense Callicoma serratifolia riparian zone Lawson Creek Photo: P Ardill February 2024
Dense Callicoma serratifolia riparian zone Lawson Creek Photo: P Ardill February 2024

Cyathea australis Rough Tree Fern

Lush riparian vegetation Lawson Creek Photo: V Hong 2017
Rough Tree Fern trunk (rhs) Lawson Creek 2017 Image: V Hong

Gahnia sp. a sedge with sharply edged leaves

Gahnia sp. with flower, Cataract Creek, 2020 Photo: E Carmichael
Gahnia sp. with flower, Cataract Creek, 2020 Photo: E Carmichael

Gleichenia dicarpa, Coral Fern, in dense groves on stream banks

Gleichenia dicarpa Lawson Creek Photo: P Ardill February 2024
Gleichenia dicarpa Lawson Creek Photo: P Ardill February 2024

Homalanthus populifolius Bleeding Heart or Native poplar, small tree

Homalanthus populifolius, Bleeding Heart or Native poplar, Waratah Street, 2016 Photo: R Grieve
Homalanthus populifolius seedling, Waratah Street, 2016 Photo: R Grieve

Leptospermum polygalifolium Tea-tree

Pittosporum undulatum, small tree

Todea Barbara King Fern

Viola hederacea Violet

Viola hederacea Violet Lawson Creek bank Photo: P Ardill 2021
Viola hederacea Violet Lawson Creek bank Photo: P Ardill 2021
Violets among ferns Lawson Creek bank Photo: P Ardill 2021
Violets among ferns Lawson Creek bank Photo: P Ardill 2021

3. Blue Mountains swamps

The sedges, ferns, small trees and shrubs of the Lawson Creek swamps grow in peat soils. This type of soil is rich in decomposed vegetable matter, and maintains a high moisture content.

Swamps play a valuable ecological role, as they are a form of natural dam. The large amounts of water stored in the peat soils of the swamps are released gradually. Accordingly, connected streams and waterfalls maintain a regular flow, even during dry periods. Many indigenous animal species rely on these flows for survivial.

Lovely swamp, North Lawson Park June 2009. Photo: P Ardill
Sedge swamp, North Lawson Park June 2009. Photo: P Ardill

Baumea rubiginosa (likely; no inflorescence available) A slender, bright green sedge.

Baumea rubiginosa? weeded Blackberry, Lawson swamp March 2018 Photo: P Ardillval, good condtion, weeded Blackberry, March 2018
Possibly Baumea rubiginosa with weeded blackberry, Lawson swamp March 2018 Photo: P Ardill

Acacia ptychoclada Wattle, shrub

Blechnum wattsii, fern

A nice stand of Blechnum wattsii, Lawson swamp, March 2018
A nice stand of Blechnum wattsii, Lawson swamp, March 2018 Photo: P Ardill

Callistemon citrinus Crimson Bottlebush, tall shrub

Callistemon citrinus Crimson Bottlebrush Lawson swamp Photo: P Ardill 2021
Callistemon citrinus Crimson Bottlebrush Lawson swamp Photo: P Ardill 2021

Gleichenia dicarpa Coral Fern

Gleichenia fern Photo: V Hong 2017
Coral Fern Lawson 2017 Image: V Hong

Leptospermum juniperinum Prickly Tea-tree medium to tall shrub; damp soils and swamp margins

Leptospermum juniperinum Photo: P Ardill 2021
Leptospermum juniperinum Photo: P Ardill 2021

Leptospermum polygalifolium small tree on swamp margins

Polyscias sambucifolia Elderberry Panax, tall shrub on swamp margins

4. Rainforest (Closed-forest)

The small patches of  shady, valley floor rainforest are dominated by the tall trees Coachwood (Ceratopetalum apetalum) and Sassafras (Doryphora sassafras). Cedar Wattle (Acacia elata), Rough Tree Fern (Cyathea australis), King Fern (Todea barbara), and a variety of Blechnum ferns are also present in the South Lawson Park rainforest glades.

Rainforst glade Lawson Creek Photo: V Hong 2017
Rainforest glade Lawson Creek 2017 Image: V Hong

(Note: the Commonwealth listed Vulnerable shrub species Persoonia acerosa (Needle Geebung) and the endemic species Acacia ptychoclada, a wattle, have been recorded on the bushcare site.)

Fern fronds Lawson Creek Photo: V Hong
Emerging fern fronds, Lawson Creek, 2017 Image: V Hong

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An excellent Blue Mountains flora reference book is Native Plants of the Blue Mountains, by Margaret Baker and Robyn Corringham, Three Sisters Publications. Available at local bookshops, the book is very reasonably priced, has great illustrations and lots of information about the natural ecosystems of the Blue Mountains.

Another great way to become familiar with the flora of the Lawson Creek catchment is to view our eight minute film, Bushcare Blue Mountains: South Lawson Park, at https://www.bushcarebluemountains.org.au/resources/videos/ . Many thanks to Vera and Craig at Seconds Minutes Hours Productions for their wonderful cinematography.

Lovely wattle Photo: V Hong
Acacia species, lovely wattle, 2017 Image: V Hong

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Animals/fauna

Approximately one hundred indigenous fauna species have been recorded on the bushcare site and at South Lawson Park. The list includes terrestrial species such as birds and marsupials, and also stream (Lawson Creek) and groundwater (Lawson Creek swamp) dwelling species.

The fauna list is comprised of casual observations and formal surveys.

  1. Casual observations of fauna have been made in the South Lawson Park area for many years, either at bushcare sessions or by local residents. Confirmation tools are field guides; WIRES; photographs; clear sighting of familiar species; online research; trained keying; confirmation by numerous residents; successive sightings; authority confirmation.
  2. Two formal fauna surveys (denoted by FS 2018) were conducted on November 9 and November 11 2018, by J Bear, R Pattingale and Bushcare Group members (See: Archives / Fauna survey 2018).
  3. Macroinvertebrate (water bugs) sampling results from both BMCC Aquatic Systems Officer testing and also volunteer StreamWatch testing extend back to ca.2005.
  4. Stygofauna (groundwater/swamp fauna) densities were recorded during the Stygofauna Monitoring Project 2011-2013 (See: Archives / Stygofauna Monitoring Project 2011).

Note: * = introduced species.

Ring-tailed Possum in the newly regenerated area April 2016
Common Ringtail Possum, Waratah Street, Lawson, April 2016 Photo: P. Ardill

Birds/avifauna

Australian King-Parrot Alisterus scapularis (FS 2018; 2 x Waratah St feeding on Privet seed March 2020)

Australian Magpie Cracticus tibicen (FS 2018)

Australian Raven juv. Corvus coronoides (reported, no date)

Australian White Ibis Threskiornis molucca (100m north of BMX track in wetland July 2023; frequent paddocks north of Waratah St 2023)

Australian White Ibis. Restored ER area #1 Photo: P Ardill July 2023
Australian White Ibis. Restored ER area #1 Photo: P Ardill July 2023

Australian Wood Duck Chenonetta jubata (Ferris Lane October 2019)

Brown Cuckoo-Dove Macropygia amboinensis (Lawson Creek feeding on Homalanthus populifolius fruit March 2020; 16/05/21 Waratah St ecological rerstoration area)

Brown Cuckoo-Dove feeding on Homalanthus populifolius fruit, Lawson Creek March 2020 Photo: P Ardill
Brown Cuckoo-Dove, Lawson Creek March 2020 Photo: P Ardill

Brown Thornbill Acanthiza pusilla (FS 2018)

Channel-billed Cuckoo Scythrops novaehollandiae (FS 2018)

Crested Pigeon Ocyphaps lophotes (18.09.18 Waratah Street east)

Crimson Rosella Platycercus elegans (frequent; 2017 & 2018, photo, Waratah St east; FS 2018; 2 pairs east Waratah St 19/06/22)

Crimson rosellas (Photo: E Carmichael)
Crimson Rosellas Waratah St east, June 2018 Photo: E Carmichael

Eastern Blackbird Turdus merula* (FS 2018)

Eastern Koel Eudynamys orientalis (FS 2018)

Eastern Spinebill Acanthorhynchus tenuirostris (FS 2018)

Eastern Whipbird Psophodes olivaceus (frequent; call 2018 Waratah St east; FS 2018; call Waratah St east 19/06/22; sighted Waratah Street east riparian area 08/03/23)

Eastern Yellow Robin Eopsaltria australis (17.06.2018, Waratah St; FS 2018; east Waratah St 19/06/22)

Eastern Yellow Robin November 2018 fauna survey Photo: R Pattingale 2018
Eastern Yellow Robin November 2018 fauna survey Photo: R Pattingale

Galah Eolophus roseicapilla (17.09.17, detention basin)

Gang-gang Cockatoo Callocephalon fimbriatum (24/02/20, flock of 10-14, Cataract Falls, Cataract Creek, Lawson)

Gang-gang Cockatoos, flock of 10-14, Cataract Creek, Feb 2020 Photo: P Ardill
Gang-gang Cockatoos, Cataract Creek, Feb 2020 Photo: P Ardill

Golden Whistler Pachycephala pectoralis (FS 2018)

Grey Butcherbird Cracticus torquatus (17.09.17, detention basin; FS 2018)

Grey Fantail Rhipidura albiscapa (17.06.18, M, Waratah St; FS 2018)

Grey Fantail "Rhipidura albiscapa" Regeneration area 2018
Grey Fantail Regeneration area June 2018 Photo: M Saltis

Laughing Kookaburra Dacelo novaeguineae (frequent 1995-2018; FS 2018)

Kookaburra, November 2018 fauna survey Photo: R Pattingale 2018
Kookaburra, November 2018 fauna survey Photo: R Pattingale
Kookaburra, dacelo novaeguineae, November 2018 flora survey Photo: R Pattingale 2018
Kookaburra, dacelo novaeguineae, November 2018 fauna survey Photo: R Pattingale

Leaden Flycatcher juv. Myiagra rubecula (reported, no date)

Lewin’s Honeyeater Meliphaga lewinii (FS 2018)

Little Wattlebird Anthochaera chrysoptera (FS 2018)

Magpie-lark, ‘Peewee’ Grallina cyanoleuca (FS 2018) Nest constructed from mud, grass and Peewee saliva.

Female Peewee, the Magpie-lark, November 2018 fauna survey Photo: R Pattingale 2018
Female Peewee (vertical black eye-stripe), fauna survey 2018 Photo: R Pattingale

Masked Lapwing Vanellus miles (FS 2018; pair Waratah St November 2023)

Mistletoe Flowerpecker Dicaeum hirundinaceum (reported, no date; FS 2018)

New Holland Honeyeater Phylidonyris novaehollandiae (FS 2018)

Pied Currawong Strepera graculina (frequent; FS 2018)

Powerful Owl Ninox strenua (Night call recorded in Honour Ave Lawson, J Bear, mid-September 2019)

Rainbow Lorikeet Trichoglossus haematodus (FS 2018)

Red-tailed Black Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus banksii (authority sighting Adelina Falls April 2019)

Red-whiskered Bulbul Pycnonotus jocosus* (frequent 1995-2015; FS 2018)

Red Wattlebird Anthochaera carunculata (frequent, east Waratah St 1995-2018; FS 2018)

Satin Bowerbird Ptilonorhynchus violaceus (frequent, bower at east Waratah St 1990s; FS 2018; immature male or female east Waratah St 19/06/22)

Female or immature male Satin Bowerbird November 2018 fauna survey Photo: R Pattingale 2018
Female (dark beak) Satin Bowerbird 2018 fauna survey Photo: R Pattingale 2018

Silvereye Zosterops lateralis (FS 2018)

Southern Boobook Ninox novaeseelandiae (not seen, heard 1990s Waratah St east)

Spotted Pardalote Pardalotus punctatus (FS 2018)

Striated Thornbill Acanthiza lineata (FS 2018)

Sulphur-crested Cockatoo Cacatua galerita (FS 2018)

Superb Fairy-wren Malurus cyaneus (FS 2018)

Superb Lyrebird Menura novaehollandiae (1981; approx 2000; 2015 Waratah St east)

Tawny Frogmouth Podargus strigoides (2000, pair, Livingstone/Honour ave carpark)

Wedge-tailed Eagle Aquila audax (30/11/2021 over Lawson Parklands)

Wedge-tailed Eagle Aquila audax harassed by magpies Lawson Parklands Photo: P Ardill 2021
Wedge-tailed Eagle Aquila audax harassed by magpies Lawson Parklands Photo: P Ardill 2021

White-browed Scrubwren Sericornis frontalis (16/05/21swamp edge Waratah St ecological restoration area; east Waratah Street riparian area 08/03/23)

White-faced Heron (Egretta novaehollandiae) (14/10/2023 paddocks north of Waratah St)

White-throated Treecreeper Cormobates leucophaea (FS 2018)

Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus funereus (2 x Cataract Creek July 2018 photo; probable trace east Waratah Street 16.09.18; 4 birds x Lawson oval/Lawson Creek feeding on Hakea sp. 20/10/19; 6 including juveniles settling on Hakea sp. in west Waratah Street ecological restoration site 15/05/22)

Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo Cataract Creek July 2018 (Photo P Ardill)
Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo Cataract Creek July 2018 Photo P Ardill

Yellow-faced Treecreeper Caligasvis chrysop (FS 2018)

Butterflies (Insects)

Supplied by Carol Probets 20/02/17. Sighted at Bellevue Park, Lawson. Nine species of butteflies:

Candalides hyacinthina Varied Dusky-blue

Delias sp. Jezebel sp.

Dispar compacta Barred Skipper

Grass-dart species probably Ocybadistes walkeri Greenish Grass-dart

Hesperilla idothea Flame Sedge-skipper

Netrocoryne repanda; Bronze Flat

Tissiphone abeona Varied Sword-grass Brown

Toxida peron Dingy Grass-skipper

Vanessa itea Yellow Admiral

Beetles (Insects)

Chauliognathus lugubris Plague Soldier Beetles (August 2014 photo)

Plague Soldier Beetles on Leptopsermum sp. Tea tree, August 2014 (Photo BMCC)
Plague Soldier Beetles on Leptospermum sp. Tea tree, August 2014 Photo: K Hising/BMCC

Lawson Creek macroinvertebrates (Insects)

Order:

Hemiptera, Bugs (13.10.17 keyed, mid-Lawson Creek)

Emphemeroptera, Mayfly nymphs (13.10.17 keyed, mid-Lawson Creek)

Mayfly nymph. Lawson Creek, October, 2017
Mayfly nymph. Lawson Creek, October, 2017 Photo: P Ardill

Odonata

Suborder: Epiprocta, Dragonfly nymphs (13.10.17, keyed, mid-Lawson Creek)

Suborder: Zygoptera, Damselfly nymphs (13.10.17, keyed, mid-Lawson Creek)

Lawson Creek Swamp stygofauna / Fresh groundwater fauna

Stygofauna Monitoring Project 2010 -2011 (See: a. Archives / Stygofauna Monitoring Project Report 2011: Extract; b. Streamwatch)

Family:

Ostracods   (Crustaceans)                                  469 qty.

Syncarids     (Crustaceans)                                    53

Mites                                                                         36

Oligochaetes  (Worms)                                        373

Cyclopiod copepods    (Crustaceans)                134

Harpacticoid copepods   (Crustaceans)              14

Nematodes  (Roundworms)                                646

Crayfish (Crustacean)

Euastacus sp.; Crayfish (2016, mid-Lawson Creek, P, photo; 20/02/2023 upper Lawson Creek tributary – large specimen; upper Lawson Creek tributary juvenile specimens 03/03/23). Threatened by poor water quality, illegal traps and fox predation.

Euastacus species Lawson sub-catchment Dec 2018. Photo: A Parissi-Carmichael
Spiny Crayfish Lawson sub-catchment Dec 2018 Photo: A Carmichael-Parissi
Euastacus sp., Spiny Crayfish, a local species, Lawson Creek, 2016. Threatened by poor water quality and fox predation
Spiny Crayfish Lawson Creek, 2016. Photo: P Ardill

Frogs (Amphibians)

Crinia signifera Common Eastern Froglet (frequent, heard Lawson mid-swamp, 2009-2018; FS 2018). (North Lawson swamp, 2016, photo).

Crinia signifera, Common Eastern Froglet, North Lawson Park 2016 (Photo: P Ardill)
Common Eastern Froglet, North Lawson Park 2016 Photo: P Ardill

A green frog probably Litoria phyllochroa Leaf-green Tree Frog (seen 1988 Waratah St east)

Limnodynastes peronii Striped Marsh Frog (frequent; heard upper Lawson Creek 16/09/18; FS 2018)

Litoria verreauxii Verreaux’s Frog (FS 2018)

Uperoleia laevigata Smooth Toadlet (FS 2018)

Snails, slugs (Molluscs)

Arion ater* European Black Slug (centre Waratah St 2016)

Anton ater, European Black Slug.
European Black Slug Photo: P Ardill 2016

Limax maximus* Leopard Slug (FS 2018)

Spider 4 x sp. unknown (FS 2018)

Mammals: marsupials

Antechinus sp. Antechinus sp. (traces/specimens Waratah St, August 2018)

Perameles sp. Probably Perameles nasuta Long-nosed bandicoot (1995 seen, firm; traces 2018, Waratah St east,  firm; 2020-23 western ecological restoration area #1 likely traces frequent)

Conical excavation likely made by a Long-nosed bandicoot June 2023 Photo: P Ardill
Conical excavation likely made by a Long-nosed bandicoot June 2023 Photo: P Ardill

Petaurus breviceps Sugar Glider (trace Waratah Street east, July 2018; seen FS 2018; approx. 28/03/22 Ferris Lane, report by resident: folded skin between the front and hind legs and saw it leap between trees)

Pseudocheirus peregrinus Common Ringtail Possum (April 2016 photo, Waratah St west; FS 2018)

Trichosurus vulpecula Common Brushtail Possum (July 2018 Waratah St east; FS 2018)

Wallabia bicolor Swamp Wallaby (scats detention basin 2017; resident sighting, former golf course 2017; scats Waratah St, August 2018, June 2019, March 2020; scats Lawson swamp at parklands April 2023)

Swamp Wallaby scays near detention basin 17.09.17
Swamp Wallaby scats detention basin, Lawson Creek 2017 Photo: P Ardill
Swamp wallaby scats, Waratah St restoration area March 2020 Photo: P Ardill
Swamp wallaby scats, Waratah St restoration area March 2020 Photo: P Ardill

Mammals: Megabats- Flying Foxes

Pteropus poliocephalus Grey-headed Flying Fox (observed Honour Ave 2015)

Mammals: Microbats – True Bats

Microbat sp. x 1 unknown (FS 2018)

Reptiles

Chelodina sp. likely longicollis Eastern Long-necked Turtle. (Lawson Creek approx 2000; Lawson swimming pool Dec 2021; February 2022 with nests Lawson Creek Dr R Spencer media report Blue Mountains Gazette https://www.bluemountainsgazette.com.au/story/7601592/shell-shock-at-lawson-dog-park/)

Eulamprus sp. possibly Eulamprus quoyii Eastern Water Skink (Lawson Creek tributary swamp/Waratah Street, 19/12/2021, approx 25cm full length)

Eulamprus sp. probably Eulamprus quoyii Eastern Water Skink Source: P Ardill 2021
Eulamprus sp. probably Eulamprus quoyii Eastern Water Skink Source: P Ardill 2021

Lampropholis delicata Dark-flecked Garden Sunskink (FS 2018)

Lampropholis guichenoti Common Garden Skink (frequently Waratah St east)

Morelia spilota Diamond Python (2008 Waratah St east)

Notechis scutatis Tiger Snake (2008 Waratah St east)

Pseudechis porphyriacus Red-bellied Black Snake (June 2013 detention basin; frequent 1984-present, Waratah St east)

Pseudonaja textilis Eastern Brown Snake (1984-2012, Waratah St east)

Rankinia diemensis Mountain Dragon (2023 November Parkland regeneration site)

Rankinia diemensis Mountain Dragon Parklands regeneration site Nov 2023 Photo: K Hising BMCC
Rankinia diemensis Mountain Dragon Parklands regeneration site Nov 2023 Photo: K Hising BMCC

Tiliqua scincoides Eastern Blue-tongue Lizard (approx 2000 photo, Waratah St east; Parklands regeneration site April 2023)

Tiliqua scincoides, Eastern Blue-Tongued Skink Waratah Street c2000
Eastern Blue-tongue Lizard, Waratah Street, Lawson c.2000 Photo: BMCC
Eastern Blue-tongue Lizard (Tiliqua scincoides) Lawson Parklands, Lawson Creek April 2023 Photo: P Ardill
Eastern Blue-tongue Lizard (Tiliqua scincoides) Parklands regeneration site April 2023 Photo: P Ardill

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Weeds

The purpose of bushcare is to contribute to the  healthy functioning and preservation of the local, naturally evolved ecosystems, and their plants. For the purposes of bushcare, a weed is a plant species that has been introduced to these local ecosystems.

Introduced plant species have potential to grow and spread so vigorously that they overwhelm and replace locally evolved plants and their ecosystems. Why does this occur? The environmental conditions that prevail in an introduced plant species’ ecosystem of origin, for example certain herbivorous insects or levels of rainfall, regulate the growth of the plant species. However, under the different environmental conditions that prevail in local ecosystems, for example higher levels of rainfall or absence of certain herbivorous insects, introduced species can become a problem.

A local or regional weed can be an overseas plant species, or a translocated Australian indigenous species. Australian plant species have overwhelmed the ecosystems of other countries.

Quite threatening weed species may be declared a “Priority Weed” or a “Weed of Regional Concern”, under the NSW Biosecurity Act 2015. Public authorities and private landowners are required to manage these weeds in a specified way.

Here is a list of the common, threatening weeds that grow on the South Lawson bushcare site. Over time, these plants tend to dominate, and then displace, local indigenous plant species. As a result, local indigenous animal species lose habitat, and cease to live locally.

  • Arum lily, usually found in swamps.
  • Blackberry, growing in swamps and modified bushland.
Treated Blackberry in Gleichenia swamp, Lawson Creek
Treated Blackberry in Gleichenia sp. Lawson swamp 2017 (Photo: P Ardill)
Rampant Blackberry upper Lawson swamp Dec 2018 Photo: P Ardill
Rampant Blackberry upper Lawson swamp Dec 2018 Photo: P Ardill

  • Broom, a shrub or small tree found in forests and modified bushland.
  • Creeping Buttercup, a spreading herb found in damp situations.

Unmanaged stormwater on track, flowing through weeds and carrying seed into Lawson Creek, Waratah Street, June 2007
Creeping Buttercup with Privet in background, Waratah Street, June 2007 Photo: P Ardill
  • English Ivy, a smothering climber.
  • Gorse, a highly invasive shrub (two plants 2017), located in modified bushland.
  • Grasses such as Panic Veldt Grass (Ehrharta erecta), Yorkshire Fog, Sweet Vernal-grass and Pigeon Grass are present.
  • Japanese Honeysuckle, a vigorous climber.
  • Juncus microcephalus, a perennial sedge found in damp situations.
  • Montbretia, a herb that colonises stream banks and damp areas.
Weeds in Lawson swamp: Deadly nightshade, MOntbretia, Arum lily, March 2018
Weeds in Lawson swamp: Arum lily, Deadly nightshade, Montbretia, March 2018 Photo: P Ardill
  • Privet (both small and large leaved varieties), common in modified bushland & forest. Shades out local plant species.
  • Pussy Willow grows in damp areas.
  • Smaller quantities of Cootamundra Wattle, Himalayan Honeysuckle, Butterfly Bush (Buddleia davidii), and Turkey Rhubarb are present, with varying degrees of control having been achieved.

See https://weedsbluemountains.org.au for detailed photographs of Blue Mountains weeds and how to treat them.

Best of all, visit one of the two local provenance native nurseries in the Blue Mountains, and buy their plants. The nurseries are Wild Plant Rescue, Katoomba, and the Conservation Society Plant Nursery.

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(The South Lawson Park Bushcare Group website, including text and analysis, is managed by Peter Ardill. Australian Copyright Act 1968 applies. Text, media and all other contents of this site are subject to copyright. Many thanks to the members of South Lawson Park Bushcare Group, BMCC Bushcare Officer and Second Minutes Hours Productions for their contribution of images to this website)