Discover hidden heroes of the rainforest

They are called “the forest fellowship’’ and are nature’s hidden heroes.

From recycling superstars – earthworms and snails – to strangler figs, vines and seed-spreading topknot pigeons, their amazing teamwork sustains a paradise.

Visitors to the Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve at Maleny now have the chance to meet this fascinating team, thanks to a new interactive exhibition inside the Rainforest Discovery Centre.

Sunshine Coast Division 5 Councillor Winston Johnston invited those with a passion for nature to spend some time at the reserve.

“In the forest, no one species can survive on its own, or is more important than another,” Cr Johnston said.

“It takes teamwork for the forest to grow – and at Mary Cairncross, you’ll be able to learn about each member of that team.”

The reserve is comprised of a complex interconnected web of species and ecosystem processes.

Within this web there are key teams or groups of species which underpin the ongoing functioning of the reserve.

These are the connectors, the recyclers, the providers, the elementals and the all-rounders.

Together, these species function as a team to sustain the forest.

The new interactive exhibit is open seven days, from 9.30am to 3.30pm at the Rainforest Discovery Centre, except for Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

For information, go to mary-cairncross.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au and search for ‘forest fellowship’.