A local environment group has begun work to protect a popular and scenic Hawkesbury waterway after funding secured by Federal Member for Macquarie Susan Templeman.

Hawkesbury Environment Network (HEN) was granted $20,000 to protect wetlands at Pughs Lagoon in Richmond from human impacts.

“HEN volunteers work to conserve and restore the natural environment of the local area, and to raise awareness of natural resource management,” Ms Templeman said.

“As part of that work, HEN has recently been able to resume its wetlands project at Smith Park, Pughs Lagoon, working with Hawkesbury City Council and local bush regeneration company Ecotune to remove weeds and plant native species.

“I visited the lagoon on Tuesday, September 8, to see the team’s work