Biodiversity refers to the variety of all life forms; the different plants, animals, microorganisms, the genes they contain and the ecosystems they form. Biodiversity is critical for the survival of all earths species, including humans.

The Cumberland Plain Woodland once covered the Holroyd City Council area. Today, due to the expansion of urban development, the woodland exists only in fragments and is easily disturbed, such as weed invasion, mowing, soil compaction, rubbish dumping and frequent fire.

Citywide Bushland Management Plan

The aim of this Citywide Bushland Management Plan is to provide a working document for the sustainable management, restoration, protection and rehabilitation of native vegetation and associated habitats within the Holroyd LGA.

• Citywide Bushland Management Plan - Volume 1
• Citywide Bushland Management Plan - Volume 1 - Appendix A
• Citywide Bushland Management Plan - Volume 1 - Appendix B
• Citywide Bushland Management Plan - Volume 2 - Parts 1, 2 & 3
• Citywide Bushland Management Plan - Volume 2 - Parts 4 & 5
• Citywide Bushland Management Plan - Volume 2 - Parts 6 & 7
• Citywide Bushland Management Plan - Volume 2 - Part 8
• Citywide Bushland Management Plan - Volume 2 - Appendix

If you have a bee swarm problem or have seen a swarm of bees then you can contact a local beekeeper to catch them. Beekeepers are found in most suburbs throughout Sydney.

One way of finding a beekeeper is through the Amateur Beekeepers Association of NSW.

About Bees

There are approximately 20,000 species of bees worldwide. Some species may not yet have been discovered, and many are either not named or have not been well studied. The most common is the ‘honey bee’. These bees play an essential role in agriculture by producing honey, beeswax and pollinating a vast number of plants and food crops.

In their natural state, honey bees and a number of other bee species live in hives which are often located in the holes of trees and on rock crevices. In some circumstances, bees form their hives on the sides of houses or anywhere where food is easily accessible. The hives can become overcrowded which causes the queen bee along with several thousand worker bees to leave the hive and find a new home. We normally refer to this as a bee swarm.

Bee swarms can pose as a threat to the safety of individuals, though it is important to remember that the chances of being stung by bees travelling in swarms are minimal if you do not aggravate or come into contact with the bees.

Information from the NSW Department of Primary Industries and the Amateur Beekeepers Association of NSW.

Your backyard is a place where you can do something to improve Holroyd’s biodiversity.

These brochures may help you:

• In Your Backyard & Beyond
• Bushland Neighbours

You could also become a Backyard Buddy with the NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service.