A NEW Kalamunda branch of environmental advocacy and education group Nannas for Native Forests is forming as community concern continues around the protection of tree canopy and the Perth Hills’ natural environment.

The Kalamunda branch will hold their inaugural meetup at 10.30am this Sunday, May 24 at Old Mates Cafe located at 23 Haynes Street in Kalamunda.

The group will join a growing network of volunteers across the state focused on environmental advocacy, forest protection and community education, with members regularly attending rallies, public talks and awareness campaigns.

Long-time member Wesley Huber said she encouraged others to take part by joining the Kalamunda branch and said people of all ages are welcome.

“We welcome everyone who wants to use craftism to send a message about the importance of our jarrah forests and natural surroundings,” she said.

“We use craftism during our meetings by sewing gum tree leaves and using that as a symbol of our forests.

“We’ll send them out to politicians and other people in the area, and sometimes you can even see them wearing them in parliament.

“They’re a conversation starter too, because sometimes people see them and go, ‘Oh, what does that leaf stand for,’ and it’s a good way to remind people what matters.

“We’re a well-loved group and people of all ages are welcome to join us whether to craft leaves or to sit in and learn more about the environment.”

Nannas for Native Forests describes itself as a grassroots movement of community members advocating for the protection of WA’s native forests, particularly the northern jarrah forest system.

The organisation has become known for its colourful public demonstrations, handmade banners and intergenerational environmental activism.

The movement has campaigned on issues including native forest logging, mining expansion, prescribed burning practices and black cockatoo habitat protection.

In the Perth Hills and eastern suburbs, members have increasingly engaged with local environmental concerns linked to tree canopy loss, bushland protection and mining impacts within jarrah forest catchments.

The new Kalamunda branch is expected to work alongside existing  supporters already involved in broader forest protection campaigns.

Ms Huber said the group encouraged residents of all ages and backgrounds to become involved in local environmental advocacy.

“Everyone can do something,” she said.

Recent community discussions in Kalamunda have included debate around urban tree canopy retention and bushland management.

Environmental groups across the hills region have also continued advocating around native forest management and mining expansion proposals through public information sessions and community talks.

The Kalamunda branch hopes to build local participation through community events, information sharing and environmental advocacy focused on protecting native ecosystems in the Perth Hills and wider WA landscape.

More information on the new branch can be found through tinyurl.com/ye7e jt7x