Indigenous planting trial at Wollongong Cemetery

We're trialling a new approach to maintenance at Wollongong Cemetery by planting indigenous grassland species in a section of the grounds.

This initiative was inspired by the Southern Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust’s Project Cultivate, which showed environmental and biodiversity benefits from using native grasses. These include:

• Cooler ambient temperatures in planted areas
• Healthier soil conditions
• Reduced use of herbicides
• Lower fuel emissions from decreased use of power tools
• Increased activity from beneficial insects and birds
• Improved habitats to support local ecosystems.

This trial is part of our work to be more sustainable in how we care for our grounds and create welcoming resting places for future generations.

If you are an interment right holder at this cemetery and don't wish for native grass to be planted on your site, please let us know and we will immediately remove any plantings in that area.

For more information about this trial, please contact our office.

Volunteer

This trial is supported by the work of a dedicated group of volunteers called The Friends Plot.

You can read more about this group's work on The Illawarra Flame website.

If you’d like to become a volunteer with The Friends Plot, please email Kathryn at kathryn@understorey.com.au