KONGWAK HILLS
- year formed: 2012
- MembersHIP: 22
- Plants in ground 2022/23: 35,800
- CHAIR: Grace Couchman
QUICK LINKS: BECOME A MEMBER/RENEWAL • KONGWAK PIONEER RESERVE - INTERACTIVE TOUR • NESTING BOX SALES
WELCOME TO KONGWAK HILLS LANDCARE GROUP
ABOUT OUR GROUP
“Kongwak Hills” is one of ten Landcare groups that form the Bass Coast Landcare Network.
We are a volunteer base that works with various organisations and the community to coordinate activities on private and public land that protect native vegetation, restore waterways and rehabilitate the land.
We learn from others, share what we know and reflect the interests of our members in our projects.
Although our focus is on caring for land, social connection and having fun are equally important.
Our motto is “from backyard to bush” and welcome anyone interested in caring for land and the environment to join us.
We are a volunteer base that works with various organisations and the community to coordinate activities on private and public land that protect native vegetation, restore waterways and rehabilitate the land.
We learn from others, share what we know and reflect the interests of our members in our projects.
Although our focus is on caring for land, social connection and having fun are equally important.
Our motto is “from backyard to bush” and welcome anyone interested in caring for land and the environment to join us.
OUR STORY
Following a well attended meeting at the Kongwak Hall early in 2012, at the instigation of Landcare Facilitator Sarah van Stokrom, much interest was expressed in forming a new Landcare group in the Kongwak area, incorporating members from the Candowie /Lance Creek Landcare group, which has been dissolved.
So, on a chilly afternoon in late April 2012, in the old Butter Factory at Kongwak, the inaugural meeting of the new group was held, office bearers elected and goals and activities suggested and discussed. The groups’ priorities are diverse, from education and learning about effective land management, in particular drawing on local experience and knowledge, remnant protection and enhancement through to sharing a community focus and having fun with like minded people.
So, on a chilly afternoon in late April 2012, in the old Butter Factory at Kongwak, the inaugural meeting of the new group was held, office bearers elected and goals and activities suggested and discussed. The groups’ priorities are diverse, from education and learning about effective land management, in particular drawing on local experience and knowledge, remnant protection and enhancement through to sharing a community focus and having fun with like minded people.
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At the subsequent meeting on 17 June 2012, the group was officially named the Kongwak Hills Landcare Group, with the motto, “from backyard to bush”- the name intended to demonstrate that the group was desirous of embracing the Kongwak valley and hills and welcoming anyone interested in caring for our land and the environment. While membership numbers are currently small, it is hoped that through word of mouth, marketing and observable activities, membership will grow. The group felt it was important to ensure that membership is available to anyone with an interest in land care, whether or not they were a local landowner.
You can contact the group directly at [email protected] |
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GET INVOLVED
How you can get involved with Kongwak Hills Landcare Group:
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Become a member
Membership is $35 per household, per calendar year. Sign up or renew your membership here. Community planting days Join volunteers to get plants in the ground. Usually a morning session rewarded by a hearty lunch. Group projects and events Instigate a group project or help organise and carry out a speciality group event. Join or support the KHLG Committee Chairperson: Grace Couchman Secretary: Carolyn Charles Treasurer: Katie Davis BCLN Board Rep: Simon Richardson Attend meetings Provide input, socialise, network. |
Do you have a project in mind for your property?
As a member of KHLG, core activities that Bass Coast Landcare Network can help fund are: • Revegetation • Remnant protection • Vegetation management courses • Waterway protection • ACUP courses • Targeted weed control • Pest animal management • Soil health projects Click here for more information. |
Kongwak Pioneer Reserve - Interactive tour and track maps
The Kongwak Hills Landcare Group has developed GPS track maps and an interactive tour of the Kongwak Pioneer Reserve which includes informative podcasts about it's history and the flora and fauna within the Reserve.
This data can be downloaded to your smartphone or tablet and used while you explore the Reserve. Access the Interactive Tour On your device: 1. Download the Google Earth or Google Earth Pro app. 2. Download the interactive tour file - here. 3. Open the file in Google Earth or Google Earth Pro. 4. Explore! Track Maps Track maps can also be downloaded here. |
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WHAT WE DO
Our group has been active in the Kongwak community for over 10 years.
Read on to see what we we do and how we've contributed:
Read on to see what we we do and how we've contributed:
"LOVE YOUR RESERVE" PROJECT
2023 -2024
2023 -2024
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Kongwak Hills Landcare Group has had recent success in obtaining funding from Planet Ark and South Gippsland Shire Council grants to support it’s "Love your Reserve" project.
The project focuses on education, restoration and preservation of the Kongwak Pioneer Reserve, 41 hectares of significant remnant vegetation in the heart of Kongwak township and home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, some threatened. In recent years, the Reserve has suffered the effects of "die-back" to it's vegetation and is in need of love from it’s community. Project events will coincide with "National Tree Day", kicking off with a Community Tree Planting Day within the Reserve on Sat 29 July. It will be celebrated with a “Bush Foods” feast for lunch, including Wolfgang’s renown gourmet sausages seasoned with bush herbs, native fruit and honey bliss balls and river mint tea. In conjunction with Kongwak Primary School’s “Sustainable Kongwak” program, KHLG will also host a planting event on Schools Tree Day and a further 3 educational workshops where students have the opportunity to gain an understanding and contribute to the sustained health of the Reserve. Workshops will involve indigenous plant propagation, learning about biodiversity and what makes a sustainable forest. KHLG is excited to create an opportunity to connect with the Kongwak community and further educate on this beautiful and significant place in it's "backyard". Thank you to the Kongwak CFA and other local brigades that undertook the cool burn to help prepare planting sites. Project supported by: 2022/2023 South Gippsland Shire Community Grants Program and Planet Ark Seedling Bank. |
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"Kongwak Hills homes for wildlife – Engaging Volunteers in Citizen Science" PROJECT
2021 - 2024
2021 - 2024
In 2021, Kongwak Hills Landcare Group, with the aid of Lisa Wangman from Bass Coast Landcare Network, was successful in gaining a Victorian State Government Community Volunteer Action grant for strengthening citizen science.
The group collaborated with other organisations to create a multi-layered project program focusing on increasing breeding habitat for wildlife in the Kongwak area.
A total of 120 wildlife nesting boxes were constructed and installed across 13 properties and the purchase of monitoring equipment and education sessions has supported landholders to maintain their function.
The group collaborated with other organisations to create a multi-layered project program focusing on increasing breeding habitat for wildlife in the Kongwak area.
A total of 120 wildlife nesting boxes were constructed and installed across 13 properties and the purchase of monitoring equipment and education sessions has supported landholders to maintain their function.
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Design
6 box designs based on those by Maffra & District Landcare Network and East Gippsland Landcare Network. (Download pdf file here). Targeted species: Crimson Rosella, Spotted Pardalote, Kreff’s Glider, Kookaburra, Owlet Nightjar, Treecreeper. Construction 120 boxes constructed by Wonthaggi Men’s Shed and painted by KHLG members. Installation Bass Coast Tree Care installed boxes 3-4m from ground, in upper-story species of vegetation. Education Educational presentations by: Dallas Wyatt - local bird expert Jane Taylor - Environmental Educator Gio Fitzpatrick - award-winning Naturalist, environmental activist and nest box designer Monitoring Periodic inspections of nesting boxes with monitoring equipment and birdlife surveys carried out by Jane Taylor. Equipment purchase 2 cameras on telescopic poles. Cameras connect wirelessly to smart device for live-view and image capture. |
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SOUTH GIPPSLAND BIRDLIFE INFORMATION SESSION
The “South Gippsland Birdlife - attracting, identifying and monitoring birds on your property” event was held the Kongwak Hall on Saturday 4 February 2023 - attended by approximately 50 people.
This educational component of the Wildlife Nesting Box project, assisted landholders to support the function of the nesting boxes installed on their property, and also gave an opportunity for the broader community to gain knowledge on local birdlife and connect with the group.
Presenter, Environmental Educator Jane Taylor, engaged attendees with fascinating facts and information, focusing on how to attract, identify and monitor birds in the local area. Using a Kookaburra nesting box, Jane demonstrated how monitoring equipment, which has been purchased by the group, is used on a telescopic pole to illuminate, view and take photos inside the box.
The session was supported by a slideshow featuring an extensive species list of local birds, captured by local wildlife photographer Robyn Bolding in the Kongwak Pioneer Reserve.
This educational component of the Wildlife Nesting Box project, assisted landholders to support the function of the nesting boxes installed on their property, and also gave an opportunity for the broader community to gain knowledge on local birdlife and connect with the group.
Presenter, Environmental Educator Jane Taylor, engaged attendees with fascinating facts and information, focusing on how to attract, identify and monitor birds in the local area. Using a Kookaburra nesting box, Jane demonstrated how monitoring equipment, which has been purchased by the group, is used on a telescopic pole to illuminate, view and take photos inside the box.
The session was supported by a slideshow featuring an extensive species list of local birds, captured by local wildlife photographer Robyn Bolding in the Kongwak Pioneer Reserve.
"HOMES FOR WILDLIFE" NEST BOX EDUCATION SESSION
What a fabulous sun-filled autumn morning to host Gio Fitzpatrick at our Homes for Wildlife - Nest Box Education Session on Saturday 18 May 2024.
An award-winning naturalist, environmental activist and nest box designer, Gio presented to over 60 keen attendees at the Outtrim Hall.
Gio presented his data-backed findings and stories, acquired through years of on-ground monitoring and recording, educating the crowd on the relationship between flora, fauna and landscape and the outcomes that result from the dependencies that co-exist between them.
Surprising to most, was the biodiversity values of the Black Wattle species which in it’s 12-20 year lifespan, contributes more in insect biodiversity than species which live for many times that!
He encouraged the audience to consider the impact when making change to landscape, whether it be by planting a domestic garden, a revegetation project on farmland, clearing vegetation or even installing a nest box. We can do that by looking through the eyes of a target species, being aware of biases and see that different habitats are made special by what they lack as much as what they have - every change has an effect.
A great effort by all our volunteer members who contributed to the organisation, promotion, catering, setup and other ways of support toward this great event.
Also, congratulations to Noel who won the nest box lucky door prize! You will have to inform us on who moves in Noel!
An award-winning naturalist, environmental activist and nest box designer, Gio presented to over 60 keen attendees at the Outtrim Hall.
Gio presented his data-backed findings and stories, acquired through years of on-ground monitoring and recording, educating the crowd on the relationship between flora, fauna and landscape and the outcomes that result from the dependencies that co-exist between them.
Surprising to most, was the biodiversity values of the Black Wattle species which in it’s 12-20 year lifespan, contributes more in insect biodiversity than species which live for many times that!
He encouraged the audience to consider the impact when making change to landscape, whether it be by planting a domestic garden, a revegetation project on farmland, clearing vegetation or even installing a nest box. We can do that by looking through the eyes of a target species, being aware of biases and see that different habitats are made special by what they lack as much as what they have - every change has an effect.
A great effort by all our volunteer members who contributed to the organisation, promotion, catering, setup and other ways of support toward this great event.
Also, congratulations to Noel who won the nest box lucky door prize! You will have to inform us on who moves in Noel!
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Project supported by Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action - Community Volunteer Action Grant 2021.
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KONGWAK PIONEER RESERVE IMPROVEMENTS
2014
2014
Rising from the centre of town, the Kongwak Pioneer Reserve is 41 hectares of significant remnant native vegetation.
It hosts a diverse range of plant species and is an important example of intact vegetation from the western flank of the Strzelecki Ranges. Foster Creek winds through the Reserve and attracts an abundance of wildlife such as wallabies, koalas, wombats and owls.
There are well laid out walking tracks waiting to be explored.
In 2014, Kongwak Hills Landcare Group received funding from the Bass Coast Landcare Network Public Fund to improve and sustainably manage the Reserve, aiming to increase visitor awareness and environmental education and improve facilities and passive recreation opportunities for users.
It hosts a diverse range of plant species and is an important example of intact vegetation from the western flank of the Strzelecki Ranges. Foster Creek winds through the Reserve and attracts an abundance of wildlife such as wallabies, koalas, wombats and owls.
There are well laid out walking tracks waiting to be explored.
In 2014, Kongwak Hills Landcare Group received funding from the Bass Coast Landcare Network Public Fund to improve and sustainably manage the Reserve, aiming to increase visitor awareness and environmental education and improve facilities and passive recreation opportunities for users.
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Walking track development
Construction of additional walking tracks by the Green Army and BCLN works crew, created links to all tracks within the Reserve. Picnic tables and benches installed. Interactive Tour Working with Drift Media, KHLG recorded a number of informative podcasts about the history and the flora and fauna within the Reserve. This has been complied as an interactive geotour that can be used while exploring the Reserve. Access the tour here. Signage Educational paddles and directional signage within the Reserve has been developed and installed. Preservation Weed maintenance, burns and revegetation planting has been conducted to preserve significant flora and fauna. Promotion Creation of a logo and Facebook page to raise awareness of the Reserve. Project partners South Gippsland Shire Council Kongwak Community Group Kongwak CFA Bass Coast Landcare Network |
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Project supported Bass Coast Landcare Network Public Fund 2014.
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COMMUNITY TREE PLANTING
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Kongwak Hills Landcare Group works with landholders, organisations and the community to support revegetation projects by coordinating the volunteer support to get plants in the ground!
Community planting days usually involve a morning of “planting out” a prepared revegetation site, followed by a social gathering over a meal afterward. The “planting season” takes place over the cooler months, June - September. Equipment used includes:
Indigenous Plants Propagated by local nurseries. Individually potted tubestock or Hico trays of 40 plants. Tubestock is usually laid out where it is to be planted. Hico plants are “popped” from trays and carried in buckets. Planters Hamilton and/or Pottiputki (to suit tubestock type). Tree guards Site and funding specific. Used to deter rabbits, wallabies, etc. Protective gear Gloves, sturdy footwear, rain and wind protection. |
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MEMBER STORIES
Sit down, grab a cuppa and meet some of our members and their landcaring stories:
BILL IRVING - REVEGETATION LEARNINGS
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Bill Irving has been revegetating various areas on his farm in Bena over the last 15 years. Here are some observations and learnings he's generously shared.
Bill's property in 2012: KHLG volunteers at the ready, embarking on the first community planting day for the group.
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Planting Site Layout and Fencing
Planting Site Layout and Fencing
- When planning a project, plant as big and as wide an area as possible, you’ll never regret doing so.
- To minimise the cost of fencing, try to have longer lengths of straight fence lines, rather than a series of short sections with corners.
- It is possible to just use electric fencing, provided you are in a position to regularly check (at least weekly) that the fence is operational. My first two plantings in 2009 & 2010, were fenced with only two “hot” wires, I’ve never had cattle in the reveg.
- Once 5 – 7 years have passed, cattle show less interest in testing the fence line, but it still needs to be electrically charged. Cattle eventually “workout” when an electric fence is inoperable and intrusion into the revegetated area will eventually happen.
Aerial view of Molloco Creek 2020.
What and How much to Plant
Plant spacing
- I recommend planting as densely as you like – its survival of the fittest out there, and you won’t be able to control the placement of species in their most ideal locations, so the more the better.
- If your planting is being arranged through Landcare, don’t be shy in stating your preferences with respect to the make-up of species you want to plant.
Overstory vegetation
- Plant as few Eucalypts as possible, e.g. 5 -10%.
- The less over story vegetation, the greater the diversity of under story and ground level plants you will have long term. For some reason, I found it difficult to resist planting lots of eucalypts. If you can resist, you will be rewarded. Each of the years since 2009 that I’ve planted out areas, the percentage of eucalypts planted has gone down. Just remember, a mature eucalypt will provide the shade and protection for a large number of other species. Densely planted Eucalypts is a plantation not a native forest.
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Comparison of overstory density: left showing how overstory can "shade out" and inhibit growth of lower stories.
Species notes
- Acacia melanoxylon (Blackwood): I don’t plant any, plenty come up “naturally”.
- Melaleuca ericifolia (Swamp paperbark): I regret planting. It spreads too easily, although only in wet areas, but tends to crowd out other vegetation in the latter.
- Cassinia Auctuletea (Dogwood): I recommend not be planted near fences, they are short lived and tend to “fall apart” after 5 to 8 years.
- Solanum aviculare (Kangaroo Apple): I only plant minimal numbers as they will self-seed easily thereafter.
- Poa labillardierei (Tussock Grass): and other grasses/sedges are terrific. Great for dam walls, fence lines, and as mass planting under trees – swamp rats seem to love living amongst them.
Infill planting
- I suggest it’s ideal to follow up with infill planting over the first few years, particularly along fence lines, to get a solid “barrier” between pasture and wooded areas.
- I leave a couple of years between efforts, so that I can see what has survived and what needs replacing.
- After five to seven years, at best, you’ll likely have swamp Wallabies take up residency. They have favourite browsing areas, so infill planting becomes challenging in these areas. Wombats and some birds enjoy pulling plants out of the ground as well!
Weed Management
To ensure good relations with neighbours, show Landcare in a good light, and minimise the effort required, a modest amount of time spent each year controlling weeds is required. The three main weeds to be managed are: Blackberry, Thistles and Ragwort.
Thistles and Ragwort
- depending on the state of the areas prior to planting, these two usually aren’t much of an issue and once 3 -5 years have passed, they will generally be out competed by the various species you’ve planted.
Blackberries - are a special case!
- It will save much hard work if particular attention is paid to eradicating Blackberries from the planting site prior to planting.
- Once a site is planted out, you will still get Blackberries germinating, even if complete eradication prior to planting has been achieved.
- Foxes and birds will bring in blackberry seeds.
- However all is not lost. If one maintains a regime of walking through the revegetated areas twice a year, blackberry is relatively easy to control.
- Once 5 – 7 years have passed, you’ll still get some coming up, but the low light levels under the vegetation will mean that growth is slower.
- If any “get away” before you notice them, you may feel overwhelmed by blackberry canes making their way to the sky. My strategy is to cut them off at ground level, and come back in a few months and deal with the relatively small plants that are attempting to re-establish themselves.
- Blackberries are an irritation to good farmers. Having neighbours with blackberry infested areas is not conducive to a happy relationship, nor does it show Landcare in a good light. Fortunately, regular maintenance from the start should mean that Blackberries never become a source of angst.
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Creek Crossings
I have two creek crossings as part of my revegetation of Molloco Creek, which flows across the back of the farm. In wet years, the creek level rises considerably, up to 2 metres from its “seasonal” level. This poses a challenge for fencing that is perpendicular to the creek bed. A traditional fence in this situation will be destroyed as a result of the build-up of debris against the wires crossing the creek, with posts likely to be pulled out of the ground and so on. My solution was to hang aluminium channelling from an overhead wire across the creek, which was then attached to the electric fence. When a “flood” comes down, the debris has nothing to build up against, and the fence lines aren’t impacted. Given the swift rising and falling of the creek water level, the times the electric fence is shorted by the aluminium channelling coming into contact with the creek water are relatively brief. Between December and June, I also add a temporary “hot” wire across the creek, just to ensure stock don’t walk up the creek bed and try and get through the aluminium “barrier”. |
Bill's solution to fencing creek crossings on his property.
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Continual Increase in Flora and Fauna
The increase in birdlife over the years has been amazing, and a joy to behold. After nearly 15 years I’m still seeing new bird species taking up residence in the revegetated areas. The same goes for flora. It took about five years before I noticed ferns beginning to re-establish along the creek, and this year I’ve noticed native ground cover plants starting to appear as well. Given half a chance, nature will get on with the job of repairing our environment. |
Other Impacts
Apart from the obvious improvement in the natural habitat as a result of planting out areas to native vegetation, the existence of these areas provides shelter and shade for stock in adjacent paddocks. The presentation of the property is improved out of sight. A well vegetated property sells itself! I argue that if no other idea in favour of revegetating appeals to a land holder, appeal to self-interest. Revegetation is an investment that earns a return, not a cost that reduces income. |
"Revegetation is an investment that earns a return, not a cost that reduces income."
View toward Molloco Creek and thriving revegetation in 2022.
LIBBY LAMBERT - "SPRINGBANK"
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In 2000, I purchased a 32 ha. valley of ‘blue gum country’ at the top of the Powlett River catchment, in South Gippsland.
The native floral biodiversity included six mature eucalypts, some declining mature blackwoods, silver wattles, and a few native grasses along the tracks. The fauna consisted of quails, magpies, kookaburras, some migratory birds, a few reptiles and frogs, the Giant Gippsland worms on south and east facing slopes, burrowing crayfish, loads of eels in the dams, foxes and one hare. The Gippsland forest had been cleared in the late 1800’s and the land used for dairy farming then as grazing for young heifers. In 2000, it had few weeds - blackberries, thistles, some ragwort and boxthorn in a steep gully, and some mature pine trees, weeping willows and five |
"Springbank" transition 2000-2023.
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beautiful oak trees around the original house site. There was ample water in the dams with one large dam shown on the ordinance maps as ‘permanent water’.
Landcare contributed over 43,000 tubestock consisting of 64 locally sourced indigenous flora species
September 2000 was our first planting when neighbours, relatives and friends used Hamilton tree planters to plant 5,000 plants one weekend, while two other fine friends catered for all. Prior to the planting we had only to kill off the weeds and spray spots for the plants to be planted in. There were no rabbits to feast on the plants, so no tree guards were required. Over the next ten years, Landcare contributed over 43,000 tubestock consisting of 64 locally sourced indigenous flora species. With the help of 200 volunteer friends we held numerous plantings and created wildlife corridors, fenced out drainage lines and creeks, and created shade and shelter belts for livestock. Seventeen hectares of revegetation now protect the habitat of the resident Giant Gippsland Worms and burrowing crayfish. It also provides habitat for other wildlife which have taken up residence and helps retain the soil on the hills, whilst protecting the waterways from contamination by excluding the livestock.
16 ha. of revegetation will be covenanted by Trust for Nature
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As with all revegetation, weed management is an issue but as the tree canopy closes over, the only pest issues continue to be the garden escapee ‘Forget Me Nots’ (Myosotis scorpioides), the blackberries bought in by the birds, and the foxes which live under them. The perimeter fences need regular upkeep in order to exclude the livestock, as trees regularly fall across them.
Over 64 species of resident and migratory birds are regularly observed including some less common species. There are eastern grey kangaroos, black wallabies, echidnas, possums, wombats, migratory koalas, microbats, various snakes, skinks, frogs, lizards, and numerous bugs and insects. The Trust for Nature (TFN) is in the process of covenanting 16 ha. of revegetation containing the Giant Gippsland Earthworms to protect this habitat in perpetuity. They have also replaced and repaired the perimeter fencing and carried out woody and herbaceous weed control. I retain ownership of the land and have formulated a management plan in consultation with the TFN for the covenanted land. |
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Landcare have installed a number of nesting boxes in the trees for native birds and animals to use as the trees will take many years to develop nesting hollows.
The original eucalypts have been incorporated into the revegetation or have been fenced out of the paddocks. I still raise and fatten beef cattle at low stocking rates and will continue to do so into the future. I am honoured to have had the opportunity to re-establish a small microcosm of the magnificent Gippsland forest that once stood here. Libby Lambert - "Springbank", Bena |
"Springbank" is home to many species of wildlife.
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NEWS & EVENTS
Featured news and events:
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2025 MEMBERSHIPS NOW DUE
If you would like to join KHLG in 2025 as a new member or renew your current membership, we'd love to have you on board. 2025 Annual Membership Info Membership term: 1 January - 31 December. 2025 Fee: $35 inc GST per property/household. Payment method: EFT/Bank Deposit. How to? On our website > click here |
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NEXT GENERAL MEETING
Our next general meeting is scheduled for. Saturday, 5 July 2025 Further details to come. To RSVP or for further information please email: [email protected] |
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REFLECTING ON 2024...
Sit down with a cuppa and reflect on our wonderful efforts and achievements as a group during 2024. Read the post here. |
RESOURCES
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KHLG MEMBERSHIP
New Members and Membership Renewal
KHLG manages new memberships and renewals through our website. We accept payment via deposit into our Bendigo Bank account - you can do so in branch or via EFT online. To join or renew and for more information click here. INDIGENOUS PLANTS
Revegetation in the Bass Coast Shire: information and images of local indigenous plants
FIRE WISE
Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife's Fire Wise project: information about the project.
Lakes Entrance Community Landcare Group's Green Fire-walls project:
Read about the project here and videos here. Download fact sheets for Shelterbelt design here and Garden design here. Fire Wise Plant Species List: download Bass Coast Landcare Network's plant species list here.
GIO FITZPATRICK
Gio has provided the below resources to support his "Homes for Wildlife" presentation: Noisy Miner Story Glider Excluders Mistletoe restoration Presentation Slides |
GIPPSLAND BIRDLIFE
Handy links:
Birdlife Australia: bird information website and app Ebird: bird information website and app Xeno canto: bird call database website The Australian Bird Guide (Second Edition): field guide book/hardcopy Morcombe's Birds of Australia: field guide app Beginner's Guide to Bird Watching and ID: webinar from Birdlife Australia Local plants to encourage birds:
Prickly Moses, Hazel Pomaderris, Narrow-leaf Peppermint (E. radiata), Messmate Gum (E. obliqua), Manna Gum (E. viminalis), Lomandra, Dianella, Hop Goodenia.
WEEDS
ON FARM
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WILDLIFE NESTING BOX SALES
STURDY, NON-TOXIC + HAND-MADE WITH CARE FROM RECYCLED HARDWOOD
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Did you know... many of our native animals rely on tree hollows for their survival? To put a number on it, nearly 20 per cent of bird species, nearly 30 per cent of reptiles and almost 50 per cent of mammals! Hollows form in mature trees such as eucalypts, taking a minimum of 80-120 years to be habitable (or even hundreds of years for large hollows). However, as these trees are removed across the landscape, homes for these animals are becoming few and far between. Take a look around your neighbourhood - how many homes you can spot? If there are few, there are ways to help... |
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Wildlife Nesting Boxes
Installing nesting boxes on your property or broader landscape, can provide a substitute home for wildlife until existing vegetation and revegetation projects mature. |
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About our Boxes
We are now excited to offer wildlife nesting boxes for purchase! This was inspired by our 2021 project "Kongwak Hills homes for wildlife – Engaging Volunteers in Citizen Science" which saw 120 nesting boxes installed over 13 Kongwak properties - read more here. Our boxes are made sturdy and non-toxic from recycled hardwood and are supplied raw, so you can choose to paint or leave them natural. There are currently 5 designs on offer, based on those of the Maffra & District Landcare Network and East Gippsland Landcare Network - see here. Once an order is placed and payment taken, we have our local Men's Shed set to work to expertly construct them. Due to the hand-made nature and recycled materials used, each box will be unique, varying in dimensions, shading, construction technique. |
Price = $66 per box (inc GST)
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Available Designs
We currently have 5 designs on offer:
Why not put a nesting box up at your place and see who moves in?
If you are keen to purchase or find out more, please use the below enquiry form to do.
We will respond to your form submission and advise on how to proceed from there.
No boxes will be constructed until full pre-payment has been made.
Please be aware and respect that we are a volunteer group and will respond as diligently as when we can. Thank you.
If you are keen to purchase or find out more, please use the below enquiry form to do.
We will respond to your form submission and advise on how to proceed from there.
No boxes will be constructed until full pre-payment has been made.
Please be aware and respect that we are a volunteer group and will respond as diligently as when we can. Thank you.
WILDLIFE NESTING BOX - ENQUIRY FORM
MEMBERSHIP
If you have not had a response within 10 days, please follow up your application by emailing [email protected]
CONTACT US
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EMAIL If you'd like to know more about Kongwak Hills Landcare Group or get in contact: [email protected] |
KHLG FACEBOOK
Follow KHLG news, happenings and posts of interest |
