Spring Gully Reservoir’s fauna population is set to benefit from new nesting boxes being built at Peppergreen Farm, a social enterprise of Access Australia Group.
Coliban Water’s Manager Community Operations Mick Dunne said nesting boxes are used to study numbers and movements of the mammals and birds that use them.
“We have important habitat for animals at Spring Gully Reservoir, in particular the Brush-Tailed Phascogale (Tuan) and Sugar Gliders, which take shelter in the nesting boxes we provide.
“Nesting boxes aim to improve connectivity between the One Tree Hill National Park and the Bendigo Regional Park and provide refuge points for these mammals and birds,” Mr Dunne said.
The boxes were first introduced at Spring Gully Reservoir by the Bendigo Field Naturalists more than 20 years ago, with volunteers helping to monitor species over the years, but the boxes have now deteriorated and required replacement.
The new boxes are currently being built by employees at Peppergreen Farm, which provides employment and training for those with disabilities or experiencing disadvantage.
“Peppergreen Farm was awarded the tender for 50 boxes, which will be built entirely using recycled ply wood, otherwise destined for landfill. We’re hoping this batch of nesting boxes will last up to 20 years.
Peppergreen Farm Employee Owen Meredith said it feels great trying to change the world for the better.
“It’s challenging but in a good way, to be able to show what we can do with what materials we have and try to benefit the environment also,” he said.
The project comes as Spring Gully Reservoir has been declared a Land for Wildlife property.
Land for Wildlife is a conservation program supporting landholders who provide habitat for native wildlife on their land.
Spring Gully Reservoir is a site of significance for the threatened woodland bird community, with the public prohibited from entering.
“This means there is excellent habitat for small birds, which thrive without damage or danger from humans and dogs or bikes,” Mr Dunne said.
Further information contact our Customer Support Team on 1300 363 200. You can find out more about the Land for Wildlife program here, the Bendigo Field Naturalists here or Peppergreen Farm here.