While there is no suggestion that the Tilligerry Habitat in Tanilba Bay would be closing anytime soon, the group's dwindling volunteers say that the popular tourist reserve is facing its biggest challenge in more than 30 years.

Newly elected president Ross Hampton said that the facility, temporarily closed to the public, was in desperate need to grow its volunteer numbers.

"The latest outbreak of COVID has meant that we have been forced to temporarily close the facility to the public including one of our main sources of income, the cafe and gift shop," he said.

"We have lost volunteers and we are particularly short in the nursery. We have between 10,000 and 12,000 plants on order ... we have the capacity and the expertise to grow the plants, we need more hands."

Volunteer Dee Murdoch said that members had achieved an amazing amount in the past two years during COVID, and were the backbone of the 9-hectare facility comprising native bushland, nursery, education and environment centre.

"However, the demands on management means we need more hands on deck. Currently volunteers undertake a wide range of activities including repairs to the timber boardwalks, seed collection and the associated plant propagation in the nursery.

"There is also a community vegetable garden which operates every Thursday. Volunteers are also needed for a range of administrative tasks."

Ms Murdoch said other activities undertaken by volunteers include supporting external groups when they visit.

She said that large orders for tubestock could help to secure the financial independence of the group provided they could secure more volunteers.

"All work associated with the cleaning of the banksia seed, the propagation and ongoing care of the seedlings requires extra people. If you love being outdoors and getting your hands in soil and dealing with plants, then we would welcome your involvement, even if you can only spare a few hours a week."

Tilligerry Habitat is managed by a not for profit, charitable, incorporated association, reporting to NSW Department o Planning, Industry and Environment. It is 100 per cent run by volunteers who manage the operation for the combined goals of conservation, rehabilitation, education and tourism.

If you are interested in volunteering call Tilligerry Habitat by email tilligerry.habitat@gmail.com or Dee Murdoch on 0408 489 689.

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