Caring for the Cumberland

Why should we care for the Cumberland Plain Woodland and how can we do this? Explore a remnant of the endangered woodland at the Australian Botanic Garden, Mount Annan.

Explore the vegetation layers and diversity of plants and animals of the Cumberland Plain Woodland. Investigate interconnections among species and the importance of the woodland’s biodiversity. Consider sustainability measures that protect the woodland and other natural ecosystems.

Curriculum Links

Stage 2 Science and Technology
Living World outcomes

ST2-4LW-S compares features and characteristics of living and non-living things
ST2-1WS-S questions, plans and conducts scientific investigations, collects and summarises data and communicates using scientific representations

Inquiry questions

What is the life cycle of flowering plants?
How are environments and living things in the Cumberland Plain Woodland interdependent?

Stage 3 Geography
Factors That Shape Places outcomes

GE3-1 decribes the diverse features and characteristics of places and environments
GE3-2 explains interactions and connections between people, places and environments
GE3-3 compares and contrasts influences on the management of places and environments
GE3-4 acquires processes and communicates geographical information using geographical tools for enquiry

Inquiry questions

What factors shape the Cumberland Plain Woodland?
How do people influence the management of the Cumberland Plain Woodland?

Teacher Resources

What makes the Cumberland Plain Woodland a special place?

Cumberland Plain Woodland plant community structure

Life cycle of flowering plants

Habitat sweet habitat

Habitats in the Cumberland Plain Woodland at the Australian Botanic Garden

Wildlife and species interactions in the Cumberland Plain Woodland

Human interactions with the Cumberland Plain Woodland

Cumberland Plain Woodland in the Sydney Basin Bioregion – profile (NSW Office of Environment & Heritage) - distribution of the Cumberland Plain Woodland, current threats and management plans
Cow paddock to biggest Botanic garden – Podcast episode from the Royal Botanic Gardens ‘Branch Out’ series
Management issues in the Cumberland Plain Woodland
Scientific research on the Cumberland Plain Woodland at the Australian Botanic Garden

Support resources for activities

‘How to teach nature journaling’, John Muir Laws & Emilie Lygren

Teacher information for activities

Two grey kangaroos in grass

What makes the Cumberland Plain Woodland a special place?

Cumberland Plain Woodland is unique to western Sydney, found nowhere else in Australia!

Life cycle of flowering plants

Scientists are using their understanding of plant lifecycles to save the woodland.

Bird with nesting material

Habitat sweet habitat

Cumberland Plain Woodland is a habitat that supports a complex ‘web of life’.

Human interactions with the Cumberland Plain Woodland

Learn about the historical uses of the Cumberland Plain Woodland and current management strategies

Virtual Woodland Wander

Take a virtual walk through the Cumberland Plain Woodland (currently compatible with Google Chrome only). Discover plant species and learn about the animals that use them.