Creating Patch Corridors
Local farmer creates patch corridor for koalas and other wildlife
Collaborations - LP022-020
The issue
A local Hastings farmer recognised that there was a lack of bushland connectivity through his property. Previously, he had sighted koalas moving across pasture and saw the need to create a safer passage for them and an additional resource for koalas and other wildlife. Additionally, many of the paddock trees were of a similar age and there was no succession of paddock trees. This farmer wanted to create a better landscape for wildlife, stock and future generations.
The solution
As a part of the Post Fire Koala Habitat Program-Hastings funded by WIRES and Landcare Australia, a patch corridor was created across the landscape to create a safe passage for koalas and other wildlife.
What are patch corridors? Unlike traditional linear wildlife corridors created along fence lines, patch corridors are more like stepping stones across the landscape. In wildlife terms, both forms of corridors are aimed at creating safe passage to substantial core habitat - large areas of bushland (this could be privately owned, national park, state forest, etc). A large enough patch can provide significant habitat, especially when it is created around a water source such as a dam or wetland. In farming terms, patches and corridors also provide a multitude of benefits for stock.
The impact
Fencing was installed to exclude stock from three paddock patches and trees were donated by the Koala Hospital at Port Macquarie. The sites were prepared, planted and trees watered during dry periods. Three hundred trees were planted in the patch zones. Kikuyu was not present so grasses were left to give the trees protection from wind and pests while newly planted. One zone incorporated a dam which will create a biodiversity hotspot. Insects, frogs, birds, snakes, lizards and mammals will move in here!
The landholder is also allowing the natural regeneration of native gums and shrubs around existing trees to widen these patches and ensure succession of paddock trees.
Key facts
- Patch corridor created for koalas and other wildlife
- 300 native trees planted
- Fencing around existing vegetation ensures succession of paddock trees and regeneration of larger patches of trees