Completed and installed a month ago, the signs depict images of elements within the forest of mostly White Box and Yellow Box woodland, and link in with the walking track along Lake Inverell.

The sign project was a collaboration from National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) staff and artist Kathleen Davies (formerly Inverell’s Regent Honeyeater lady).

The walk is described as moderate and takes walkers on a journey through some of the park’s best and most interesting features.

Highlighting various elements, such as use of tree hollows by wildlife, plant communities, inhabitants of woodland environments and bird species, in both text and coloured illustrations, the interpretive signs also offer a brief respite from walking as visitors read the information provided and take a minute to observe their surroundings.

Produced by Lismore sign company Armsign the track signs have been designed to withstand the harsh outdoor conditions, and are obvious without being too intrusive on the natural surroundings.

“The walking route is an extension to the council walking track along Lake Inverell,” said NPWS Senior Ranger Peter Croft.

The 180 hectares of rich woodland became a national park in January 2006 and is currently undergoing rehabilitation in the form of weed eradication and control.

This will allow the natural vegetation to make a stronger return. The area already plays host to more than 200 plant species, including five rare plants.

Mr Croft said the area is special in that it contains a large remnant of the critically endangered Box-Gum woodland.

Many of the plant species are critical habitat and food sources for endangered wildlife especially birds such as the Regent Honeyeater and migratory Swift Parrot.

Ms Davies has reported anecdotal evidence of both these species over the past few years and has confirmed observations of these species from properties neighbouring the park.

“We are in the process of preparing a plan of management for the park, which will identify and provide strategies for issues we face with this park,” Mr Croft said.

“Areas of Box-Gum woodland have been drastically reduced, and in some areas it has been reduced to less than one per cent of its original extent. It’s important to protect what’s left,” he said, adding that Box-Gum woodland is poorly represented in conservation reserves in NSW.

Future projects include interpretation at what is called Platypus Lookout, and continued weed removal.

As the area is designated a national park dogs are prohibited.

Visitors can enjoy their leisurely walk through some of this area’s beautiful bushland, and with an abundance of wildlife both day and evening there is plenty to see.

From rare birds to eastern grey kangaroos, the most delicate of wildflowers to majestic trees, Barayamal offers a different view of nature to suit everyone.