The campaign – called Our Bushland – seeks to educate residents about all local bushland, not just the bushland in National Parks.

“We’re talking about the bushland down the street, round the corner and across the road,” Cessnock mayor Bob Pynsent said.

“We need to be thinking about all the pockets of bushland located around our community and take action to ensure we are looking after this bushland.

“This vegetation is home to some very important species and are called biodiversity hotspots by ecologists.”

Cr Pynsent said critically-endangered bird species, including the Regent Honeyeater and Swift Parrot use our local bushland for food and shelter.

“The long term survival of these birds is linked to the long term health of our bushland. These birds particularly love it when the mature nectar rich eucalypts such as Spotted Gums flower,” Cr Pynsent said.

Unfortunately, damage by deliberately lit fires, illegal fire wood collection and illegal dumping is detracting from the beauty of Cessnock’s local bushland and reducing its habitat value.

Our Bushland will also focus on increasing landholders’ awareness about the importance of the bushland found in their own backyards. The project will provide landholders with information about how they can better manage their land for biodiversity and what assistance is available to assist them including funding.

The campaign has been made possible by funding from the NSW Government through its Environmental Trust. 

Council, in partnership with Birdlife Australia and the Office of Environment and Heritage, will deliver a number of events to help the community learn more about local biodiversity including BioBlitzes and information workshops.

To find out more visit www.cessnock.nsw.gov.au/ourbushland.

VIDEO: BirdLife Australia's Mick Roderick captured this footage of 100 Swift Parrots observed in the Werakata State Conservation Area in Pelton in May.