Main syllabus links

• A Change for the Better
• Rainforests (Global Environments)
• An Ancient Land
• Current Issues – Biodiversity, Ferals
• Environment Matters

Cumberland program activities

1. Rainforest Gully
2. Forest Types
3. Feral Invaders

Activities at Cumberland State Forest are normally of one hour duration and in the case of a full-day visit, three activities would be conducted.

To ensure maximum educational benefits and minimal environmental impact on the forest, student numbers are limited.

The cost per student is $3.30 for the excursion.

Cumberland program outline

Activity 1. Rainforest Gully

Parts of Cumberland were planted in the 1940s when the site was being established as a state forest. Learn about the rainforest plantings that were part of the history of the development of Cumberland. Explore the gully where they were planted and identify a variety of rainforest species.

Participate in tasks to measure fire risks and current biodiversity levels.

Activity 2. Forest types

Students will observe and identify the differences in plant communities that are found in particular areas of the forest. Along the creek line students will have the opportunity to examine plant species found in a moist forest area.

They will explore the layers of the forest, such as the forest floor, under storey and canopy, as well as, record the features that distinguish one forest type from another.

Activity 3. Feral invaders

Feral plants and animals have become a major environmental issue in a variety of Australian landscapes, such as woodlands and waterways.

Examine the impact of introduced species, such as foxes, on native forest habitats and evaluate the ways of addressing the damage.

The students will have the opportunity to monitor and manage a major introduced aquatic feral in a local pond.

If the weather is dry and pond levels are low this activity will be replaced by Forest Trackers.

Forest Trackers

Help track down the tree and ground dwelling wildlife found in different habitats in a forest. Students will discover the various clues and methods used by Forests NSW researchers in their wildlife survey work so they can then conduct their own survey. Learn why this work is so important.

Strickland rainforest program

Looking for a place to conduct a rainforest excursion… then look no further. Strickland State Forest is the venue for you.

This excursion consists of two activities. Each activity is of approximately 75 minutes duration.

This excursion can be conducted within a normal school day and no fees apply.

Forests NSW staff will meet you at the Freeway turnoff and guide you to the starting point for the day in the Banksia Picnic area.

Activity 1

The excursion begins with a walk from the Banksia Picnic Area located on a ridge where the flowers and heath plants are spectacular in bloom. Catch a glimpse of Gosford then descend through a series of dramatic vegetation changes into the valley floor eventually arriving at Stoney Creek where the sights and sounds of a temperate rainforest will be explored.

Activity 2

The second activity involves a walk through one of the oldest arboretums in Australia. See amazingly tall, majestic old stands of trees and discuss forest management issues.

Further information & contact details

For further information about Cumberland State Forest and Strickland State Forest, and for contact details, see Forests excursions.