Parklands Rangers monitoring nesting boxes in a local bush reserve have been stunned by the success of the installations.

In just a 4ha area of remnant bush on the outskirts of Wodonga, 29 of 30 boxes showed evidence of use.

3 glider boxes were occupied by single squirrel gliders, and four had whole families happily ensconced. One of 4 bat boxes was occupied by a micro-bat, while another box had been commissioned by (unfortunately not native) bees.

This shows that given a good food supply – provided by native bush with a whole range of plants – all these beautiful animals need is a home and they will move in.

Most of the bush around Albury and Wodonga is lacking in natural hollows, as many old hollow-bearing trees and logs have been removed from the landscape through agricultural and then urban development and firewood collection.

Hollows can be successfully replaced by manufactured nest boxes. Different sizes and configurations can be made to suit a range of species.

The installation of nest boxes in the region follows years of revegetation and bush restoration works, which have increased the native understorey plants (grasses, groundcovers and shrubs) that are vital for ecosystems to support the less common arboreal mammals and native birds. Co-incidentally, technology and the rise of web-based Citizen Science platforms have made it easy for anyone to join in on nestboxing programs.  

In partnership with the Wodonga Urban Landcare Network, Parklands is leading a series of Nestbox Field days for community members over the next few months. These are open to all.

In a series of hands-on field days, participants will learn how to install nestboxes, use a pole camera to check for occupants, and use a citizen science platform to record nestbox sites. Participation is free and people can attend one or more days. Places are limited and bookings essential. Please see our Events listings for details.

This project has been funded with support from the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning’s Threatened Species Program.

Parklands encourages community stewardship of Albury-Wodonga’s unique network of environmental lands. Community groups and residents interested in ‘on ground’ work or enabling recreational activities on Parklands managed lands are welcome to contact us to discuss options. Any works on Parklands-managed lands require written permission. Please contact us at info@parklands-alburywodonga.org.au