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A brief overview of the origins of the group:

Blackheath Centenary Reserve was planned to be a school site. In 1987, during the Centenary of Blackheath Village and School, the Centenary Committee petitioned the Government to give the area to the people of Blackheath. This was approved on the basis that it was kept in its natural state under the control of Blue Mountains City Council.
Despite extensive slashing for bushfire protection, the Reserve still retained a nucleus of good bushland, a valuable remnant of ridgetop vegetation in the area.
A local resident, Joyce Brister, suggested to the Committee that the Reserve was ideal for bush regeneration.
Weeding groups were organised, the local Cubs being particularly active. The main weed problems were Broom and Gorse, with a variety of other weeds – mostly in the slashed areas.
Other issues which have been dealt with over time include:
Encroachment from private properties, which surround the Reserve on three sides.
Radiata Pines in the eastern side of the Reserve.
A controlled burn by the RFS at the south-eastern side of the Reserve promoted the germination of numerous Broom and Gorse seedlings. This burn also provided an opportunity to undertake a fire survey, comparing native and weed species in various plots, pre and post fire.
Illegal vehicle access within the reserve.
We are now working on the next challenge – removing weedy grasses on the Reserve margins.
The Bushcare Group has observed 132 plant species, most of which are listed on their webpage.
Further details and photographs are on the Group’s website at https://centenaryreserve.bushcarebluemountains.org.au/