WIRES Mid-South Coast Branch has agreed to share their knowledge with their fellow nature enthusiasts, who often come across native fauna great and small and evidence of animal activity.

Landcare co-ordinator Emma Patyus said most people think Landcare volunteers “just plant trees”, when it is only a small component of their work.

“Last year local Landcare groups delivered more than 10,000 volunteer hours of work on local projects – a phenomenal contribution to the local community and environment – and of those hours, only five per cent was spent planting trees,” she said.

“It’s great for us to know how to identify animals from their calling cards, such as burrows, hollows, scats and tracks, so we know what sort of plants and habitat they require.

“It’s also beneficial for our volunteers to learn how best to keep themselves and animals safe when working around sensitive or injured wildlife and what to do when we come across an incident.”

Emma said teaming up with fellow volunteer organisation WIRES was a perfect partnership.

“WIRES is a rescue and rehabilitation service run by volunteers who attend incidents and attend to callouts of all kinds when members of the public come into contact with injured or orphaned animals, birds and reptiles and will assist in their rehabilitation, care and rehoming,” she said.

“We are very grateful that WIRES mid-south coast are willing to share their knowledge and experience.”

Landcare volunteers come from all walks of life and work in a variety of ecosystems, from the mountains to the coast.

The WIRES workshop will be held in Bengello Forest on March 2 and is provided free to Landcare volunteers.

For more information on Landcare or to get involved phone Landcare Co-ordinator Emma Patyus on 4474 7300.

WIRES have large numbers of dedicated licensed volunteers, working around NSW, to rescue and care for tens of thousands of animals every year.  WIRES is licensed for wildlife rescue and care by NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).