Biodiversity Walk and Talk
A showcase of endemic native plants suitable for suburban gardens to encourage planting for habitat
Capacity building - LEP23_015_LLC_4
The issue
Habitat for our native animals is fragmented through many urban and suburban areas. CEN has funding to run a series of workshops, through our Habitat for Wildlife program, on constructed habitat in gardens. This series will cover nest boxes, ground shelters, insect hotels, and frog ponds. To start with though, an introduction that can help prepare gardens with native plant species which can support and shelter all the animals that would use the constructed shelters.
The solution
We organised and ran a Biodiversity Walk and Talk at Central Coast Wetlands, using portions of their current project to revegetate Pioneer Creek as a demonstration of local native shrub, herb, grass, and groundcover species. The walking path for this workshop was a 2km course through revegetation zones along Pioneer Creek, with many garden suitable shrubs and groundcovers in full flower. This path would also allow plenty of time for discussion about the plants, what food source they can supply to native animals and characteristics that would make them desirable as part of a native garden.
The impact
The walk and talk had 11 attendees, and started with a brief overview of the various bird and mammal species which used the wetlands as habitat, including more than 200 bird species, and mammals such as Sugar Gliders. The Central Coast Wetlands was a fantastic location for this workshop, as the revegetation zone along Pioneer Creek is intended primarily to provide food source and shelter for small birds and mammals like the Swift Parrot, Regent Honeyeater, and the Sugar Glider. The workshop served as a great way to lead in to the series on constructed habitat and all attendees were interested in attending the other workshops in the series.
Key facts
- Providing habitat for native animals in urban areas is important
- 11 attendees joined in a Biodiversity Walk and Talk to learn more about native habitat