Walkway Points of Interest
The Miss Llewella Davies walkway contains interpretive signage to more than 20 points of interest around the Camden Town Farm. Select a point of interest below to learn more about the respective topic.
Agro Forestry
In 2004, this area of Camden Town Farm was the location of a trial program to improve the condition of the native bushland.
Initially, woody weeds were treated using traditional and non-chemical methods, then seedlings of mixed River-flat Eucalypt Forest canopy species were planted around the boundary of the farm.
Beef
Beef cattle were introduced to Australia in 1788 with the first herd of cattle from the Cape of Good Hope. Two bulls and five cows arrived on the First Fleet, and they escaped from an area which today is Sydney's Domain, and were found, breeding successfully, on the Cowpastures, near Menangle. British breeds were introduced from 1800.
Australia's red meat livestock industry contributes more than $20 billion annually to the national economy.
Biosecurity
Agricultural biosecurity on a farm involves measures to protect plants, animals, and the environment from pests, diseases, and invasive species. It encompasses practices such as quarantine protocols, monitoring for disease outbreaks, and implementing biosecurity plans tailored to specific farming operations.
By prioritising biosecurity, farmers can work to safeguard their crops and livestock, preserve soil health, and maintain sustainable agricultural practices, ensuring the long- term viability and resilience of their farming enterprises.
Bricks For St Johns Church
This small brick pit quarry was established as part of the original brickworks on land leased from the MacArthur's; clay was extracted to make bricks for St. John's Anglican Church until 1841.
Standing as a prominent heritage site, one of the highest points in the Camden township. St. John's Anglican Church in Camden has a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1849. The building is a prominent heritage site and an excellent early example of a Gothic Revival Church in Australia.
Chinese Market Gardens
From the late 1890s up until 1993, a community of Chinese market gardeners worked in small cooperatives in seven locations along the banks of the Nepean River around Camden. One of these sites was situated on the Davies' Farm. Market gardeners were predominantly men, who grew vegetables for local and Sydney markets.
Most of the gardeners experienced physical hardship, isolation from their families (who remained in China), language barriers, and government discrimination. Despite the hardship, the gardeners made an important contribution to agriculture and the changing dynamics of the town. Their resilience and endurance are to be admired.
Dairying in Camden
Dairying in the Camden area traces back to the early 1800s when European settlers introduced dairy farming to the region. By the late 1800s, Camden had become prominent dairy hub, with over 110 local dairy's operating at it's peak.
The Davies Farm, having operated as a dairy since 1908, ceased milk production in 2002 due to severe drought.
The Australian dairy industry contributes billions to the economy annually with over 5,000 dairy farms across the country.
Dung Beetles
Dung beetles play a vital role in farming ecosystems such as those found in the Camden area by efficiently breaking down animal waste.
As they tunnel and bury dung, these industrious beetles enhance soil aeration, nutrient cycling, and pasture health. Their activities improve soil structure, reduce pests like flies, and mitigate the spread of livestock parasites. In essence, dung beetles offer natural and sustainable solutions that benefit both agricultural productivity and environmental conservation on farms.
Ephemeral Wetlands
Ephemeral wetlands form in natural depressions on the Farm, and temporarily hold water after substantial rain events. They are usually isolated, but they can overflow and create connections to nearby waterways during periods of heavy rain. They also dry out periodically. These wetlands contain native plants that are integral in improving local water quality.
Wetlands are also important in regulating local temperatures and provide essential habitat for frogs, turtles, insects, and water birds.
Frog Pond
Frogs play a vital role in the environment by helping to control invertebrate numbers (for example, flies and mosquitos). Frogs also provide an important food source for wildlife and serve as a good indicator of the local ecosystems’ health.
Habitat loss, climate extremes, chemicals and pest species, increased disease and altered breading patterns pose significant risks to individuals and populations of some native species of frogs.
Horses
In Australia horses have historically played a vital role in managing livestock herds across vast terrains. Before the mechanisation of agriculture, stockmen relied on horses for mustering, droving, and handling cattle and sheep.
Their agility and endurance enabled efficient movement of livestock in diverse landscapes, from rugged outback regions to expansive pastoral lands.
Today, while technology has evolved, the partnership between horses and stockmen remains integral to sustainable and effective livestock management practices in Australia.
Natural Disasters and Pests
In early Australia, agriculture faced many challenges as a result of unpredictable weather patterns, flooding, prolonged periods of drought pests and introduced species, and soil degradation.
Limited understanding of local ecosystem functions and early farming practices exacerbated the challenges, underscoring the need for adaptive strategies and resilience in Australia's agricultural sector.
Camden Town Farm is periodically impacted by Nepean River flooding.
Nepean River
The Nepean River travels from the Southern Highlands to Broken Bay forming the longest coastal catchment in New South Wales. Flowing through Camden, the Nepean River stretches approximately 180km to join the Grose River just north of Penrith, where it drains into the Hawkesbury River.
Over the years, the Nepean River has experienced notable floods, shaping the region's landscape and necessitating flood mitigation measures to protect surrounding communities.
Flood events are a natural part of the earth’s processes. Some ecosystems are dependent on the flood cycle and the nutrient transfer that results.
Peri Urban Environment
Camden Town Farm is representative of a peri-urban environment. This is a transitional zone where urban and rural landscapes intersect. The environment is characterised by a blend of agricultural lands, natural habitats, and expanding urban development. Peri-urban areas like Camden, mark the divide between the city and countryside.
This dynamic landscape presents both opportunities and challenges, as it balances urban growth with the preservation of rural heritage and environmental sustainability.
Rosebowl
Camden’s first sewage treatment works were operated from this site by the Metropolitan Water Sewerage and Drainage Board. The land was chosen due to the sandy soil and its vicinity to the Nepean River. Treated sewage was pumped into the sandy soils as a form of filtration, before flowing into the river.
When the sewage treatment plant ceased operation, Miss Davies purchased the land back from the Sydney Water Corporation.
Sheep
In 1805 John and Elizabeth Macarthur introduced Merino sheep to Camden Park, contributing to the establishment of Australia's wool industry.
Recognising the fertile soils and temperate climate, the Macarthur’s established Camden as a leading hub for quality wool exports to the United Kingdom. This transformed the local economy, shaping Camden's agricultural legacy, and cementing the Macarthur’s enduring influence on Australia's pastoral heritage.
Storm Water & Urban Runoff
Plants play a crucial role in filtering stormwater and reducing pollutants and nutrients that could potentially enter waterways. Through a process called phytoremediation, plants absorb, break down, and trap harmful contaminants like heavy metals and chemicals. The root systems also stabilise soil, helping to prevent erosion.
Additionally, vegetation acts as a natural sponge, absorbing excess quantities of runoff and nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, thereby improving water quality, and promoting a healthier urban ecosystem.
Travelling Stock Routes
Australian travelling stock routes are historic corridors designated for drovers to move livestock between pastures. These routes, spanning vast distances across diverse landscapes, have been essential for sustainable grazing practices.
Today, these routes are valuable spaces which are a unique aspect of Australia’s rural landscape, with many across the country being recognised as nature reserves, preserving biodiversity and cultural heritage.
Viticulture & Wine
The Camden area boasts a rich history of viticulture and wine production. South Australia's first planting of shiraz grapes was with cuttings sourced from Camden Park.
Pioneered by settlers who recognised the suitable soils and climate, vineyards flourished, producing wines renowned for their quality. Over time, the local wine industry has evolved to embrace modern techniques while preserving traditional practices. Table grapes were also grown on a considerable scale until the middle of the 20th century.
Wheat
Wheat cultivation has been integral to Camden’s history since European settlement. The fertile soils of the region facilitated significant wheat production, bolstering the local economy, and shaping agricultural practices. Challenges such as wheat rust-a devastating fungal disease-greatly reduced yields in the second half of the 19th Century.
Efforts to combat the impact of rusts are ongoing, with research being conducted at the University of Sydney Plant Breeding Institute at Cobbitty.
Working Dogs
In Australia, dogs, particularly the Kelpie and Border Collie breeds, are invaluable for managing livestock herds and flocks.
Skilled in obedience and herding behaviours, these dogs assist farmers in mustering, controlling, and protecting livestock across vast landscapes. Their agility and intelligence enable efficient movement of animals, improving productivity and minimising stress on both the livestock and handlers.
Camden Show utilises this paddock and yards especially for its 3-sheep trial competition.
