Woodlands

Box Gum Grassy Woodlands support a rich variety of native grasses, wildflowers, birds, mammals and reptiles.

Once widespread across south-eastern Australia, much of this ecological community has been cleared or fragmented. Remaining patches provide important habitat and connections between larger natural areas.

Healthy woodland includes more than trees. Native grasses, wildflowers, shrubs, fallen timber and standing dead trees all contribute to the ecosystem.

Help protect woodland habitat

• retain native trees, grasses and groundcover
• check whether approval is required before clearing vegetation
• plant locally native species suitable for your property
• control environmental weeds
• keep cats contained, particularly at night
• leave hollow logs and fallen timber where it is safe to do so
• collect firewood only where collection is permitted
• avoid dumping garden waste in bushland
• report illegal clearing, rubbish dumping or damage
• join a local conservation or revegetation activity.

Living and dead hollow-bearing trees provide shelter and breeding habitat for native animals including squirrel gliders, barking owls and turquoise parrots.

Hollows form naturally as trees age and are damaged by weather, fire, fungi and insects. Large hollows can take more than 100 years to develop, so removing an old tree can eliminate habitat that cannot be quickly replaced.