Wedderburn Conservation Management Network
Protecting Biodiversity - ​​Our Flagship Species - Malleefowl Leipoa ocellata
Projects
Here’s what we’re up to:
- Protecting Malleefowl
Together, we’re protecting ecosystems, saving species, and building a community that cares about conservation!
Box Gum Grassy Woodlands Revegetation Project
The Woodlands Revegetation Project is working to restore our Box Gum Grassy Woodlands (PDF 2.49MB), which is listed as critically endangered under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. This vegetation community typically has White Box (Eucalyptus albens), Yellow Box (Eucalyptus melliodora) or Blakely's Red Gum (Eucalyptus blakelyii) as the dominant canopy species. Other species of note in this community include Red Box (Eucalyptus polyanthemos), Grey Box (Eucalyptus microcarpa), White Cypress Pine (Callitris glaucophylla) and Buloke (Allocasuarina luehmannii).
These revegetation projects usually involve planting tubestock or direct seeding previously cleared land with indigenous canopy and understorey species. This program is also funded through a CFOC grant.
Past Projects
Fencing native woodlands
The Wedderburn CMN works with landholders to erect fences around existing Box Gum Grassy Woodland remnant vegetation. Under this program, which is also funded by CFOC, fences are erected to exlude stock. Reduced grazing pressure within these parcels of remnant vegetation allows natural regeneration of important woodland species to take place. The resulting improvements in vegetation stucture and diversity provide valuable habitat for native flora and fauna. In recent years the Wedderburn CMN has been able to exceed its area targets for fencing works thanks to interested and engaged landholders in the district.
Facilitating connection of remnant vegetation
Greenhouse Balanced, a private carbon emissions offset company, came to the Wedderburn district in 2007. In keeping with the Wedderburn CMN's targets and principles, Greenhouse Balanced has revegetated large areas of land in key connective areas around Mt Korong and south of the Nardoo Hills Reserve. To date, approximately 3000 ha of private land has been added to the conservation estate.
In 2004, the Wedderburn CMN Facilitator approached Bush Heritage Australia about purchasing a 245 ha block of remnant vegetation adjacent to Wychitella NCR. The property, which had been well managed and was in excellent condition, became known as the Judith Eardley Reserve. Since then, Bush Heritage Australia has acquired several neighbouring properties - the Nardoo Hill Reserve now covers more than 700 ha and incorporates the Judith Eardley Reserve.