Big Scrub at Byron Writers Festival

(L-R) Anthony Acret (Rous County Council), Martin Brook (Chairman, Brookfarm), Shannon Baunach-Greenfields (Greenfields Creative) and Dr. Tony Parkes (Big Scrub Landcare) in a restored rainforest at Brookfarm.

As recently as two hundred years ago parts of our region were covered in a dense subtropical rainforest referred to by early white settlers as the ‘Big Scrub’.

A new book The Big Scrub Rainforest – A Journey Through Time explores the ecological and social values of the Big Scrub and will be launched at Byron Writers Festival on Saturday 5 August.

“Today only about 1% of the former Big Scrub rainforest remains, in scattered forest fragments across our region. These remnants are rich in diversity, supporting hundreds of species of flora and fauna and providing the only remaining habitat for many threatened species,” said the President of Big Scrub Landcare, Dr Tony Parkes.

“This book explores how the Big Scrub came to be, the ecological value it holds today, what it means to people and what its future might look like,” said Anthony Acret, Natural Resource Management Planning Coordinator, Rous County Council.

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“It has been put together by the community, for the community. With contributions from writers, Widjabul people of the Bundjalung Nation, landholders, activists, ecologists, scientists, artists and illustrators the book aims to develop appreciation and sense of connection and stewardship for the Big Scrub amongst its audience”.

Published by Big Scrub Landcare and Rous County Council with support from Brookfarm, the book will be launched at Byron Writers Festival on Saturday 5 August 3:15pm in the Belongil Room. The book will available for purchase at the Festival and local Environment Centres, Visitor Information Centres and good bookstores across the Big Scrub region. The book will also be available for loan from local libraries.

Visit www.bigscrubrainforest.org.au for more information.

Learn more at byronwritersfestival.com