A drone’s view: Hamish Dunlop, Richard Delaney and Trent Forge (Richard Delaney)
Story and photos by Hamish Dunlop
Trent Forge from NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service and drone pilot Richard Delaney search for the critically endangered Isopogon fletcheri. Using drone technology, the cliffs and hanging swamps of Blue Mountains National Park can be surveyed in a way previously impossible. Read below about the discovery of a new population of this rare Blue Mountains plant.
Key Points:
The Greater Blue Mountains Area is home to the incredibly rare Fletcher’s Drumsticks.
Drone technology has revolutionised the conservation of this critically endangered species.
Learning about biodiversity and conservation efforts is a great way to connect with the extraordinary place we live in.
“He’s got a nose for it!”, Richard exclaims, as Trent Forge from the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service lightly touches the view screen. “A bit down,” Trent says, “and slightly left.” The camera on the drone Richard is piloting switches from 1x to 3x optical zoom. Richard can see it now too, but I’m still mystified by the mass of green on the screen. When the drone camera changes to 7x optical zoom, I can finally see what Trent has spotted: the critically endangered plant, Isopogon fletcheri.
A drone’s view with Isopogon fletcheri at 7x optical zoom in details to the right (Richard Delaney)
Looking across from just above Bridal Veil Falls in Blackheath, the drone is a barely visible dot against the vast escarpment wall below Govetts Leap. The wall is covered with hanging swamp fed by water seeping out of the rock. The cliff rises majestically out of the Grose Valley and is home to the largest population of Fletcher’s drumsticks (Isopogon fletcheri) in the world.
Saving our Species
Fletcher’s drumsticks only exists in the Blue Mountains. They’re a relic of the Gondwana supercontinent, reaching back into deep time, millions of years ago. There are approximately 300 plants in this location, the largest population of the approximately 1000 plants known to exist.
This rarity makes searching for new populations an important part of the conservation project. This is complicated however: Isopogon fletcheri predominantly grows on wet cliffs that are inaccessible on foot.
Trent and Richard with the cliff below Govetts Leap in the background. (Hamish Dunlop)
Trent is a Threatened Species Officer with the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service. He says drone technology is providing a tool to undertake conservation biology in a way never before possible. “More than 90% of the known population for this species occurs on cliffs,” he says. “Using drones make surveying this cliff-hanging species efficient, and in some cases, it would be practically impossible to do otherwise.”
On the lookout
Today Trent and Richard have come to explore a cliff section on the south side of the Grose Valley. Richard is a certified drone pilot and works with Trent to identify and record new populations. He tells me he’s ‘just the muscle’, but confesses he’s been involved with the protection of endangered species in the Blue Mountains – such as the Dwarf Mountain Pine – for a large part of his life. (See Linda Moon’s story here and watch Will Goodwin’s video here to find out about this endangered species.)
Signage along the Evans Lookout to Govetts Leap track. (Hamish Dunlop)
We’ve come to a particular spot along the walk between Evans Lookout and Govetts Leap. We’re chasing a record of a small population discovered by Department staff member and local, Philip Gleeson, with a spotting scope a year ago. It’s a scramble to access the area and we don’t find anything on the clifftop. Trent and Richard have been looking at satellite imagery though and have identified areas below with promising habitat
“It has two predominant ecological niches,” Trent says. “They are either southeast or northeast facing. The northern side populations can be less saturated because they are less exposed to sun – the plants can grow in wet cracks. The southern side populations catch more sun, so are usually restricted to hanging swamps.”
“There are two main areas where Fletcher’s drumsticks are found: in the Grose Valley ranging as far east as Explorers Wall below Mount Caley, and in the Kedumba Valley. It needs to be wet and not too exposed,” Trent explains. “If there are grass trees growing for example, it’s probably too dry.”
Philip with spotter scope (Photo: Liam Ramage)
Taking flight
Richard holds the drone aloft and its blades whirr into action. He carefully navigates through the treetops giving the drone’s camera an uninterrupted view of the cliffs. Trent directs Richard to various locations.
Within 5 minutes, an individual plant has been found. That quickly turns into four. It’s exciting to be part of this discovery. Richard goes back later in the day when the light is more favourable and tallies 41 individuals. It’s an incredible find.
Richard launching the drone. (Hamish Dunlop)
“It’s not a natural ability, that’s for sure,” Trent says, talking about how he intuits where plants might grow. “I’ve been doing this for four years. You get to know the plants’ niches. You also get skilled at picking up shapes and shades created as the drone changes its aspect. Sometimes there are telling dead branches that droop down. The leaf colour is distinctive too, and the leaf shape is characteristically Isopogonish.”
The endangered species program
Finding new populations is just one part of the Isopogon fletcheri conservation project. The Research Centre for Ecosystem Resilience at the Australian Institute of Botanical Science, Royal Botanic Gardens completed genomic sequencing to establish the species’ genetic diversity.
A plan is now underway to create an ex situ population. “This will involve propagating and establishing plants, and then maintaining these in a secure location, for example in a botanic garden” Trent says.
Trent identifying possible Isopogon fletcheri locations using the drone’s camera view. (Hamish Dunlop)
Education is another important part of the conservation effort. The challenge faced by species such as Isopogon fletcheri is correlated with human-affected climate change. “In the Blue Mountains, we’re going to see more periods of drought,” Trent explains.
“Drier conditions will disproportionately affect species that thrive in water-soaked habitats. We also lost between 5% and 15% of plants in the 2019/20 fires. This increase in disasters such as bushfire is directly related to climate change.”
There are a huge number of species that are already endangered and becoming threatened in New South Wales, Trent continues. “We are at risk of losing 1000 species and ecological communities. “The Saving our Species program in NSW is focused on these.” Trent believes the increase in endangered species and extinctions should be like a canary in a mine. “It should motivate us to reduce our contributions to climate change, such as burning fossil fuels.”
A closeup of Isopogon fletcheri (Photo: Philip Gleeson). The species is classed as Vulnerable at the state and federal level and as Critically Endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature database.
Mud on your shoes
One of the activities NPWS undertakes to protect Isopogon fletcheri is rerouting tracks to avoid specific populations. “We know this species is susceptible to Phytophthora cinnamomi, a water-borne mould,” Trent explains.
“Phytophthora has been detected in several I. fletcheri populations that have been accessed by the public, with some individual plants showing early signs of disease. Unfortunately, it can be carried into sensitive areas on people’s shoes and boots. We’re particularly concerned about off-track walkers and rock climbers in the Northern Grose Valley.”
There is an urgent need to stop the spread of Phytophthora cinnamomi in the Blue Mountains. (Photo: Miya Tsudome)
Richard, who pilots the drone, ran an environmental management consultancy for ten years and has a Master’s degree in Environmental Management. He’s a local legend in the climbing community as well. He says, if possible, footwear should be cleaned of mud. “If you want to be extra careful, use methylated spirits or 70% isopropyl alcohol to disinfect your shoes. This reduces the chance that you’re tracking diseases between locations.”
He’s realistic about how much people are willing to do, but remains motivated in the work he does. “Raising awareness is a key outcome of these efforts. We are so privileged to live in this incredible place. It’s worth knowing that a plant that gets damaged as you’re climbing, or making new tracks, might be one of only a few in existence. There’s a great resource called the Cliffhanging 5. It describes five amazing, threatened plants to look out for around the rugged cliffs of the Blue Mountains.”
Blue Mountains resident and climber Monique Forrestier talking about the Cliffhanging 5.Watch the video here >
The intrinsic value of life
Richard is passionate about doing conservation field work. “Every time I go looking for them, they teach me something,” he considers. “I learn about their habits and habitat. When they flower and how they can reshoot after bushfire for example. But I don’t have to see them to appreciate their intrinsic value. It’s not just about the value of plants to humans. They have a right to exist, regardless of our level of appreciation.”
Trent is also deeply connected with the natural world. He knew from the age of ten that he wanted to be a conservation biologist. “I grew up on a farm and was obsessed with animals,” he says. “When I was given the Readers Digest Complete Book of Australian Birds, I identified all the birds on the farm. Caring for endangered plants is different. They often don’t have the profile of other species likes quolls or koalas. That means there’s a real opportunity to better understand their distribution and numbers.”
Like Richard, he sees conservation work as critical in its own right, but believes it’s an opportunity to understand how human activity is impacting our world at the local level. “When you look at what is happening to species, you start to get an idea about how everything in nature is connected,” Trent says. “I think seeing this web of interconnectedness can help us think differently about the challenges we and the planet face.”
Takeaways:
We share the Greater Blue Mountains Area with some of the rarest plants in the world.
Knowing about these plants and our environment can connect us to the challenges we and the planet are facing.
When out and about in the bush, cleaning footwear can reduce the spread of pathogens such as Phytophthora cinnamomic.
This story has been produced as part of a Bioregional Collaboration for Planetary Health and is supported by the Disaster Risk Reduction Fund (DRRF). The DRRF is jointly funded by the Australian and New South Wales governments.
Plate to Planet: Blue Mountains Food Security Fair 2026
📣HEADLINE SPEAKER📣
Our headline speaker is Julian Cribb AM – a renowned Australian science writer, journalist and author who has spent more than 50 years communicating science, agriculture, climate and global sustainability issues. He is the author of several influential books, including The Coming Famine (2010), Food or War (2019) and How to Fix a Broken Planet (2023), which explore the future of food systems, planetary health and humanity`s long-term survival.
He is widely recognised as one of Australia`s leading voices on global food security and sustainable development.
To register for his talk, and view the rest of the program, visit the website: https://events.humanitix.com/blue-mountains-2026-food-security-fair...
At our next Skill Share Saturdays event on Saturday 5th September, join Laura Zucchetti at 10:30am to learn how to make focaccia from scratch!
Come along for a 90 min class where you`ll mix, rest and stretch your own focaccia dough from start to finish, guided every step of the way. You’ll take home your dough to bake on the day in your own oven.
Sign up to this session, and view the other offerings on the day via this link: https://events.humanitix.com/skill-share-saturdays-at-the-planetary-health-centre...
Plate to Planet: Blue Mountains Food Security Fair 2026
We are pleased to announce that the program and registration for Plate to Planet: Blue Mountains Food Security Fair 2026 is now live!
Follow this link to view the program and register your place: https://events.humanitix.com/blue-mountains-2026-food-security-fair
Key information:
When? Saturday 10 October, 9AM - 4PM
Where? Blue Mountains Planetary Health Centre, Katoomba
Who is it for? Families, gardeners, enthusiasts, community groups and businesses, anyone looking to learn about how to be more resilient through local and sustainable food systems.
What to expect? Talks, workshops, demos, market stalls, family activities, music, food
Is there a cost? Entry to the Fair and Markets is free. Talks and workshops are ticketed (both free and paid) and have limited capacity, so please register in advance.
Program highlights:
🌏Headline talk: The age of renewable Food – Julian Cribb AM 🎋Wild edibles foraging workshops – Diego Bonetto, Eat More Weeds 🏞️The importance of bioregions in uncertain times – Rowe Morrow, Permaculture Matters 🥒Home canning and food preservation workshop – Kirsty Berté, Permaculture Hawkesbury Valley 🏡Designing your own Permaculture Property – Leni Nyssen, Alchemy Farms 🍃Utilising what’s in front of you – Uncle Lex, The Ganya Shed 🪱How to worm farm - BMCC 🎸Live music by Olivia Dustmann 🌾Community crop and seed swap
Tickets are limited so please register your place now: https://events.humanitix.com/blue-mountains-2026-food-security-fair
We are also seeking stallholders for the event. If you are a grower, retailer, community organisation or business that would like to get involved, please reach out to [email protected]!...
Thank you to everyone that joined us at the Planetary Health Centre on Saturday for the first of our Skill Share Saturdays program!
The Centre was a hive of activity all day, and we heard from @alchemyfarms_permaculture, the @ediblegardentrailbluemountains team and Andy Mann. Also thanks to Sherlie McMillan from Greater Blue Mountains Rotary for teaching the Fashion Upcycling workshop, and Virginia Field for the Tai Chi and Qigong class.
The next event will be held on Saturday 1st August - you can register your place here: https://events.humanitix.com/skill-share-saturdays-at-the-planetary-health-centre
🖐Get involved!
Do you have a skill, program or interest that promotes planetary health that you`d be willing to share with members of the local community? We are looking for more workshop and session hosts for our future events.
Join us at the Planetary Health Centre in Katoomba on the first Saturday of every month for Skill Share Saturdays!
Our July program includes: - What to grow in a Blue Mountains climate - Eating for Earth - Tai Chi and Qigong - Fashion upcycling and clothing reuse workshop - How to get involved with the Edible Garden Trail
You are also welcome to bring any surplus seeds or produce for our Crop Swap, or wind down in the Planetary Health Cafe (until 2pm).
If you have a skill that you want to share, or any questions or queries, please contact [email protected]
Visit the website to view the full program of events and register your place.
Join Andy Mann, a 23 year old Lawson local, for their Eating for Earth session 🌏
Eating for Earth is a judgement-free plant-based educational workshop that all types of eaters are encouraged to attend. There will be a presentation about the environmental impact of diets, a discussion section, and best of all, food! The food will be fully plant-based.
Andy wants to help inform our passionate community about how we can better reduce dietary environmental impact.
The session will run from 11AM - 12PM on Saturday 4th July.
Other sessions include: - What to grow in a Blue Mountains Climate - Fashion Upcycling - Tai Chi and Qigong - Bushcare on the Planetary Health site - How to get involved with the Edible Garden Trail
To register your place, visit our website: https://events.humanitix.com/skill-share-saturdays-at-the-planetary-health-centre...
We’re excited to announce the second Blue Mountains Food Security Fair, taking place in Katoomba in October 2026.
This annual event will bring together growers, thinkers, makers, and community members to explore one of the most important challenges of our time: how we grow, share, and sustain food in a changing world.
Across the weekend, we’ll be exploring themes including: - Healthy soil and regenerative systems - Food and human health - Plant-based food futures - Home and community food resilience - Water-sensitive and climate-adapted growing - Indigenous food knowledge and systems - School food systems - Australia’s food procurement - Global food security challenges Expect a dynamic program of inspiring speakers, practical workshops, and hands-on experiences designed to leave you informed, empowered, and connected.
Key information Date: Weekend of 10th October 2026 Location: Blue Mountains Planetary Health Centre, Katoomba, NSW We’ll be announcing speakers and program details soon.
We are also inviting expressions of interest from individuals and organisations who would like to contribute to the program, host workshops, run a stall or partner with us.
Do you struggle making the most of your veggie garden all year round?
Join Leni from @alchemyfarms_permaculture on Saturday 4th July for her Permaculture Workshop: Learn how to grow WITH the Upper Blue Mountains seasons, rather than battling against them.
During the two-hour session, you`ll cover crop selection for different seasons, what to grow from seeds vs seedlings, frost and wind protection, and nurturing your soil with a seasonal cycle.
Register for this and other sessions as part of our Skill Share Saturdays program via this link: https://events.humanitix.com/skill-share-saturdays-at-the-planetary-health-centre...
From Saturday 4 July, we are opening up the Planetary Health Centre for our monthly Skill Share Saturdays program: https://events.humanitix.com/skill-share-saturdays-at-the-planetary-health-centre
Throughout each day, you can expect to find a variety of sessions focused on restoring the health of the planet, in terms of the environment, community and economy.
Sessions at the first event include:
- What to grow in a Blue Mountains climate - Plant-based eating - Tai Chi and Qigong - Fashion Upcycling and clothing reuse workshop
You are also welcome to bring any surplus seeds or produce for our Crop Swap, or wind down in the Planetary Health Cafe (until 2pm).
Visit the website to view the full program of events and register your place: https://events.humanitix.com/skill-share-saturdays-at-the-planetary-health-centre
Registrations essential.
We are also inviting expressions of interest from individuals and organisations who would like to contribute to the program - please reach out to [email protected] if you are interested!...
🍃Volunteer weekly at the Planetary Health Centre 🍃
From next week, Tuesday 28th April, come and join Leni from @alchemyfarms_permaculture from 10am - 12pm, to help with the management of the Planetary Health veggie gardens, where any surplus produce can be shared!
The gardening session will be followed by a complimentary tea or coffee in the Planetary Health cafe.
📆Day: Every Tuesday 🕙Time: 10AM - 12PM
📍Where: Blue Mountains Planetary Health Centre 33-39 Acacia Street Katoomba (follow the pathways at each side of the building, round to the terrace and gardens).
What shall I bring? All you need to bring is water, gardening gloves and a hat.
Last week we had the pleasure of hosting the first year Medical students from @notredamesyd for their Rural and Indigenous Immersion trip across Katoomba and Lithgow. Across two days, 150 students learnt about the link between human health and a healthy environment, the work of the @bluemountainsplanetaryhealth Initiative and the @bluemountainscitycouncil to create climate resilient communities, and got to explore our site using heat mapping tools....
Join Rotarians for Planetary Health on International Women`s Day, from 2.30-4pm Sun 8 March, for the opening of a portrait display to celebrate local women who have made a meaningful impact on protecting animals and nature. The photographs by Sue Lightfoot and others are part of a long-term initiative to build a living, community-driven database of women working to protect animals and the natural world.
The display will be open until 1 April, Thursday to Saturday, 9.30am–3.30pm at the Junction 142 Village markets (church space). As the project develops, community members will be invited to nominate women whose work deserves recognition.
The launch follows the Uniting Church and Plant Inspired`s monthly community luncheon from 12-2pm, which this month features the Older Women`s Network Blue Mountains. For more information contact 0434 691 496 (Teya)
Hamish Dunlop is a writer, visual artist and environmentalist. During his career he has worked in communications, as an academic at UNSW and ACU and more recently in the conservation space. He is currently completing a Diploma in Conservation and Ecosystems Management. He lives on the bush in Medlow Bath and is a passionate bush walker, gardener and cold-water enthusiast.
The concept of planetary health is rapidly gaining attention globally, as the world increasingly confronts the interconnected challenges of environmental degradation, climate change, and public health crises. But what does the term 'planetary health' really mean, and why does it matter?
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