New homes needed for local wildlife
New homes needed for local wildlife
Local wildlife will benefit from a program to install 200 nest boxes across the Macleay Valley. A collaboration between local wildlife rescue organisation FAWNA and the Macleay Landcare Network will see the nest boxes installed and monitored on private properties over the next 12 months.
Collaborations -
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The issue
The extensive bushfires that spread across the NSW north coast in late 2019 had a devastating impact on local communities including wildlife populations. In response local wildlife rescue organisation FAWNA Inc launched their Food 4 Wildlife and Nest Box Appeal programs that were well supported by the community. This response placed an increasing demand on the hard-working band of volunteers who were already receiving and rehabilitating burned animals during this distressing time.
The solution
Local Landcare Coordinator Andy Vinter realised that the Macleay Landcare Network was well placed to offer vital support to FAWNA to deliver a nest box program in the Macleay. Following up on a previous working relationship, a collaboration was born for Landcare to deliver the Nest Box Program in the Macleay Valley.
The nest boxes were sourced as flat-packs from Nest Boxes Australia and were assembled locally by Macleay Options. A range of boxes were selected to cover a variety of both bird and mammal groups. Professional installation, and the monitoring of occupation rates after 12 months, were regarded as key elements for success.
The impact
Meanwhile Landcare put out the call for Macleay landholders to host the nest boxes through an Expression of Interest process. Local members of the Land for Wildlife program were targeted as likely hosts. Installation is now taking place on 25 participating properties in the program.
“Im proud to see this collaboration come to fruition and look forward to seeing its outcomes for local wildlife over the coming year,' Andy said.
Key facts
- The extensive bushfires across NSW in 2019/2020 had a devastating impact on local wildlife populations.
- Macleay Landcare Network was well placed to offer vital support to FAWNA to deliver a nest box program.
- Professional installation and follow-up monitoring are regarded as key elements for success.