Areas of coastal granite are like Noah's Arks for rare and special plants, says Nature Conservation Margaret River Region - and over the weekend, locals headed out to help protect the fragile South West spots.
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"Coastal granite outcrops are such a recognisable feature of our beautiful coastal landscape. Our pristine sandy beaches, flanked by those russet rocks at places like North Point and Wyadup Rocks, are etched into our minds and souls," Nature Conservation's Caring for Coast program officer Mandy Polley said.
"These granite outcrops are also a unique ecosystem, offering a range of microhabitats. These are small, restricted areas that differ from the surrounding land.
"Part of the reason is because they often have wet areas on or between rocks, which support different kinds of plants that otherwise might exist in these exposed coastal conditions."
Locals made their way to South Point on Sunday to help with one of Nature Conservation's regular volunteer busy bee days.
The day was ed by the Shire of Augusta Margaret River in collaboration with Nature Conservation, Friends of the Cape to Cape Track, Friends of Cowaramup Bay/Gracetown and Cowaramup Bay Boardriders.
Mandy said the areas of granite supported many endemic species, "which means they exist here and nowhere else in the world".
Flora surveys show more than 550 native plant species are found on granite outcrops in our region.
But these outcrops are under increasing pressure from people and development, with 25 per cent cleared since European settlement.
Climate change, weeds, dieback, fire and visitors also pose a risk to these special areas.
"Our granite outcrops are so complex and beautiful. Plants are often hidden, compact and delicate, like little treasures," Mandy said.
"The easiest way to help protect these fragile environments is to stay on marked trails. Unfortunately, in granite areas these aren't always obvious, so watch where you step and avoid trampling plants. Take care is the message."
Renowned botanist and conservation biologist Professor Stephen Hopper visited the region last year to share his observations of rare plants on the Leeuwin Naturaliste ridge.
The former Kings Park and Botanic Garden director said the rare flora in our coastal granite communities meant the Margaret River region was like "nowhere else on Earth".
Professor Hopper said the shire is home to 50-plus species of caladenia or spider orchids alone, some which are only found in just one tiny pocket of granite country which is an example of "ultra-endemism".
Sunday's community volunteer day built on progress made at previous planting and brushing days at Cowaramup Bay.
Nature Conservation general manager Drew McKenzie said with growing population and visitation to the region, it was more important than event that locals were ambassadors and stewards for our coast.
He said keeping off dunes, sticking to formal pathways, removing dog poo and rubbish, volunteering at conservation events, and learning to identify weeds were all ways to care for our coast.
"The coast is a great source of fun and recreation for many of us, but our goal is to inspire locals to be custodians and stewards for the coast too," he said. "Increasing use of the coast by the growing number of residents and tourists, together with other threats like climate change, are putting pressure on the fragile coastal region."
