Spending time in the bush has given Daniel Pritchard more than just a way to help the environment – it’s given him a real sense of purpose. Whether he’s pulling weeds or planting trees, the work is hands-on and deeply satisfying.

“The world can be a really shitty place sometimes, but Bushcare gives you something tangible to feel good about,” he says. “You can see the impact of your work as the bush regenerates. It’s surreal in the best way – you get to grab onto that one good thing.”

And that one good thing has led to more. In December, the 25-year-old received the Anders Bofeldt Award at Wollongong’s Environment Volunteer Awards, which celebrate outstanding contributions to the city’s natural areas programs. Named after the late self-trained botanist, the award recognises emerging conservationists making a difference.

“It’s an absolute honour,” Daniel says. “Anders had such a deep understanding of native plants. I can only attempt to absorb a fraction of what he knew and apply it in my own way.”

Bushcare wasn’t always the plan. In April 2021, Daniel joined the Upper Brooks Reach volunteer group on a whim, not realising it would set the course for his future. During his first visit, he met Marcus Burgess, a conservation teacher at TAFE NSW Yallah, who introduced him to the beauty of native ecosystems.

“Marcus would be rattling off facts about everything – trees, birds, insects – and I’d be doing my best to take it all in. That’s what got me hooked,” Daniel says.

A month later, he landed a job with the bush regeneration company Good Bush, and his passion became his career. But he still makes time for Brooks Creek, returning at least once a month to the place where it all started, where the trees he planted in those first sessions now tower above him.

“We’ve got a lovely canopy coming in now,” he says. “The trees are getting bigger, shading out the weeds, creating shelter – it’s really rewarding to see.”

Rewards of Bushcare

Bushcare is more than just planting trees – it’s a full-body workout, a way to clear your head and a chance to connect with others.

“I hike one-and-a-half kilometres into the bush, work all day, then hike back out. No need for a gym membership,” Daniel says. “The physical side just comes with the job – kneeling, bending, cutting, moving around constantly.”

It’s also about community. Through volunteering, he’s built friendships with people of all ages – young adults, retirees and everyone in between. Conversations flow as they swap stories, share stories of past projects and catch up on life.

Greg Fikkers, Natural Areas Coordinator at Wollongong City Council, says the social benefits of Bushcare are often overlooked.

“We track the number of plants we put in the ground, but I think the social value is just as important – probably even more so,” he says. “Being part of these groups gives people a real sense of belonging, and that’s invaluable.”

Greg’s seen firsthand how volunteering in nature supports mental wellbeing.

“There’s something about immersing yourself in the bush – stepping away from the rat race, finding a sense of purpose. You start to feel like you’re leaving a bit of a legacy.”

For Daniel, that’s exactly what keeps him coming back.

“The difference it makes is insane. The transformations I’ve seen are incredible, and the fact that volunteers, not just professionals, can achieve that is something special. People should realise they can have their own little piece of the bush – something they can look at and say, ‘I did that’.”

'Genuine impact' at Brooks Creek 

The Upper Brooks Creek Bushcare group has been working to restore the riparian corridor since the 1990s, focusing on reducing weeds, replanting native vegetation and improving the health of the creek. Greg says their work is making a genuine impact.

“They’ve seen great results over the years,” he says. “If you look at older satellite images from the late-90s, you can see just how much has changed – the tree lines are being restored, and the creek is looking healthier.”

But there’s always more to do. “Weeds don’t just go away, so managing them is a constant challenge,” Greg says. “Council supports these volunteer groups because they play such a vital role in conservation. It’s also a great way to get more people involved and educate the community about why so many are passionate about protecting our bushland.”

For details on how to become a volunteer, click here or call Wollongong City Council on (02) 4227 7111.