www.connectingcountry.org.au
Prickly plants for wildlife and community
Our region is home to unique and threatened wildlife that relies on intact Box-Ironbark Forests. Although central Victoria retains some large areas of native forest, much of this vegetation has been heavily disturbed by mining, woodcutting, grazing, changes in fire and water regimes, and a changing climate. Many areas have lost their understorey species, particularly the prickly plants that provided essential protection from predators, food and nesting habitat for woodland birds and other small animals. This project works with community members to rehabilitate forests by reintroduce missing understorey plants. The purpose is to provide quality habitat for native wildlife, particularly woodland birds, and increase the community’s capacity to improve wildlife habitat. We will achieve this by partnering with local Landcare groups to support revegetation at three key public reserves, also benefiting our community and visitors to the region. Connecting Country will: Liaise with local Landcare groups to plan and manage the project. Review and finalise selection of sites for rehabilitation. Prepare a project safety plan. Promote the project through social media and our other networks. Develop planting lists tailored to each site, comprising native plants selected for their flowers, foliage or form for habitat enhancement. Work with nurseries to obtain 900 indigenous plants of local provenance. Support Landcare groups to run three public planting days and provide follow-up care for plants. Supply a planting trailer, planting tools and safety equipment, for community use. Provide stakes and guards to maximise plant survival. Document the project and complete grant reporting.