Subject: research, conservation, education
Location: Capernwray, Burradoo, Southern Highlands NSW
A Rocha Australia has been partnering with Capernwray Torchbearers Australia since 2017 at their Wongabri property on the bank of the Wingecarribee River.
Key outcomes so far:
- providing technical advice for on-ground environmental restoration activities
- facilitating public seminars
- delivering regular bible teaching on creation care to Capernwray Bible School students
- developing relationships with local government and community environmental groups
Capernwray’s property is situated in a high rainfall, fertile region heavily cleared for agriculture. The property adjoins the Cecil Hoskins Nature Reserve wetland, at which over 90 species of birds have been recorded.
On-ground works have focused on conserving an endangered eucalypt species, Paddy’s River Box Eucalyptus macarthurii, and restoring woodland habitat. The pre-European vegetation at the Capernwray property was the Southern Highlands Shale Forest and Woodland, now listed as a threatened ecological community at both State and National levels. Tree planting commenced in October 2016.
Capernwray operates a Bible School and Holiday Centre on the property. Several events have been hosted here in conjunction with A Rocha Australia including:
- conferences on ’Caring for the Garden in a Fallen World: A Christian Perspective on Nature Conservation’ and lectures for students and the general public
- a seminar on threatened species in the Southern Highlands, co-hosted with the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service
- a national conference in October 2016 with A Rocha co-founders Peter and Miranda Harris as guest speakers
Project in Partnership With:
