Cameras and audio recorders have been set up in the Rhododendron Gardens in Blackheath to monitor the return of wildlife and pests after the bushfires.
Local Sydney University student, Emma Spencer, has been working with John Cruickshank from the Blue Mountains Rhododendron Society which manages to gardens, to find the best spots for the cameras, setting them up in both burnt and unburnt bush areas.
The gardens were severely damaged last December, losing a lot of bushland and many of the exotic plants, including some of the original rhododendrons.
A lot of hard work by volunteers and several grants have seen a massive clean-up and many new plantings.
Deb Wells, society president, said she was delighted to be part of the university's study, which is being done in conjunction with Blue Mountains council.
"It's very exciting because more and more we are trying to engage with the community.
"We've linked with the wild plant rescue folk to supply the plans for our wild meadow, and with the Conservation Society too," she said.
So when they were sounded out about having the cameras and recorders, the society jumped, Ms Wells said.
Ms Spencer, who is a PhD student but said this project was not part of her studies - "it's just a bit of extra fun on the side" - said it has two main aims.
One is to see if there are any differences between which native animals are seen in the burnt and unburnt areas; the second is to look at the prevalence of invasive species, like foxes and cats.
The audio recorders will help identify bird activity.
The project is being done in conjunction with Blue Mountains council and cameras are being set up in a number of council-owned reserves, mostly in the Upper Mountains from Mt Wilson to Katoomba.
The Rhodo Gardens will host another academic study next month when a masters student from Newcastle University, Oliver Kelly, sets up recorders near the lake to see what frog species are there. Mr Kelly is investigating what is driving the decline in some endangered frog species.
