Walk on Wangal Nature Trail
To help support native wildlife and strengthen the connection between fragmented habitats, the City of Canada Bay is enhancing the biodiversity corridor from Queen Elizabeth Park and Edwards Park in Concord through the Walk on Wangal Nature Trail. As part of this initiative, native shrubs, grasses, and ground cover are being planted to improve habitat quality and support the long-term health of local ecosystems.
More than 60 colourful native species will be planted along the trail, creating a visually appealing and ecologically functional landscape. These diverse understorey plantings will provide essential food and shelter for beneficial insects, reptiles, small birds, and mammals. In addition, interpretive signs and plant tags will be installed to help visitors learn more about the native species and the importance of protecting local biodiversity.
The Walk on Wangal Nature Trail transforms a once-neglected urban corridor into a thriving green space that celebrates nature, culture, and community. Stretching between Queen Elizabeth Park and Edwards Park, the trail reconnects important ecological areas and provides a peaceful place for residents and visitors to walk, explore, and engage with the environment.
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Biodiversity workshops
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Timeline item 1 - active
Birds of Canada Bay with Birdlife Australia
Wednesday, 7 May, 6.30pm
Discover the fascinating birds that call City of Canada Bay home, learn the best times to spot them, and dive into why birds are essential to our local biodiversity – even those pesky ones!
Register here
Key elements of the trail
The trail features several key elements, including:
- Educational interpretive signage highlighting the area’s cultural and ecological significance, including the endangered Sydney Turpentine Ironbark Forest community.
- Woody Meadows trial plantings, a research-led, low-maintenance landscaping method designed to attract pollinators and provide dense, layered habitat.
- Sandstone rock structures offering shelter for reptiles, enhancing the trail’s role as a functional biodiversity corridor.
- Hand-built bee hotels made from recycled materials, promoting pollinator activity and demonstrating circular economy principles.
- Indigenous artwork and painted rocks created during community events, adding a personal and cultural layer to the trail experience.
The Walk on Wangal Nature Trail is more than just a walking path — it’s a living landscape that invites the community to engage with nature, learn about local ecology and Aboriginal culture, and take part in ongoing environmental stewardship.
Who was involved?
The Walk on Wangal Nature Trail is more than just a pathway through native bushland — it’s a testament to the power of community. This inspiring project was brought to life through the passion, commitment, and collaboration of local groups, each playing a vital role in shaping a space where people and nature thrive together.
- Metropolitan Aboriginal Land Council provided advice on plant species and content for interpretive signage across the trail.
- Local resident volunteers generously gave their time and energy, assisting with planting native vegetation and mulching.
- City of Canada Bay Bushcare Group provide weeding and maintenance to ensure the trail remains healthy and welcoming, helping to enhance vital habitat for native wildlife and strengthen the area’s biodiversity.
- Harry’s Shed members contributed their craftsmanship and problem-solving skills, constructing the bee and pollinator hotel from recycled materials.
- Concord High School students brought fresh perspectives and creativity to the project by designing the trail’s interpretive signage. Their work helps educate and inspire visitors about the cultural and ecological significance of the site.
- University of Melbourne, University of Sydney and Macquarie University guided the installation of the Woody Meadows, with their research expertise contributing to the design, monitoring, and evaluation of this innovative, low-maintenance planting approach that enhances biodiversity and landscape resilience.
Together, these efforts have transformed the area into a vibrant, accessible, and sustainable urban sanctuary — offering a space where the community can connect with Country, learn about local flora and fauna, and take pride in a project they helped bring to life.
Environmental value
Over 60 species of native shrubs, grasses, and ground covers have been planted along the trail, creating a diverse understorey that provides food, shelter, and nesting habitat for pollinators, small birds, reptiles, and insects. These plantings help restore the Sydney Turpentine Ironbark Forest (STIF) ecological community — a critically endangered vegetation type found only in small pockets of Sydney.
To increase biodiversity outcomes while reducing long-term maintenance, the trail features Woody Meadows, an innovative planting approach developed in collaboration with the University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, and Macquarie University. These multi-layered plantings attract wildlife with their rich floral displays and are maintained through periodic coppicing (hard pruning), which encourages dense growth, suppresses weeds, and eliminates the need for chemical herbicides.
The inclusion of sandstone rock structures along the trail provides microhabitats for native reptile species, while handmade bee hotels, constructed by local Men’s Shed volunteers using recycled materials, support vital native pollinator populations.
Together, these features not only improve the health of local ecosystems, but also contribute to broader environmental goals such as:
- Reducing the urban heat island effect
- Improving stormwater absorption and flood resilience
- Enhancing air and soil quality
- Supporting the following strategic documents:
- City of Canada Bay's Urban Canopy Strategy
- City of Canada Bay's Biodiversity Framework & Action Plan
- NSW Government’s Biodiversity in Place framework
Get involved
The Walk on Wangal Nature Trail is more than just a place to walk — it's a space for the community to connect with nature, learn about local ecology, and actively contribute to protecting and enhancing our natural environment.
There are several ways you can get involved and be part of the ongoing care and success of this special project.
Join Bushcare
The City of Canada Bay's Bushcare Program is a great way to contribute directly to the health of our local bushland. Volunteers work together to restore and maintain native vegetation, remove invasive weeds, and care for the ecological health of sites like Queen Elizabeth Park.
No experience is necessary — just an interest in the environment and a willingness to get your hands dirty. All tools, training, and morning tea are provided. You’ll meet like-minded people, learn new skills, and make a meaningful impact in your local area.
Start a Love Your Place Group at Edwards Park
We’re currently looking for engaged community members to start a Love Your Place group at Edwards Park as part of Council’s litter reduction initiative.
Love Your Place is a flexible, community-led program that supports residents, schools, and local groups to keep public spaces clean and litter-free. With Council's support, your group can host clean-up days, install signage, and contribute to a cleaner, safer, and more beautiful natural space along the trail.
👉 Love Your Place – Litter Clean-up Program
Stay Connected
You can also stay up to date on future planting days, guided walks, and events by following Council’s channels or subscribing to Council's Sustainable Living E-news for updates and opportunities to provide feedback.
Together, we can ensure the Walk on Wangal Nature Trail and local biodiversity continues to thrive as a space that supports biodiversity, celebrates culture, and brings our community together.
