NEST boxes are popping up across the Bathurst region in an effort to replace habitat for a range of hollow-dependent native animals.
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In the woodlands in the Mount Panorama precinct, the majority of the trees present have regrown following clearing during the last century.
This means that most of the trees are too young to have developed hollows which many native birds, mammals and bats require for nesting.
Without the opportunity to seek shelter or reproduce, many native animals have disappeared from the region.
Larger animals such as cockatoos, kookaburras, owls and possums require large hollows which generally only develop in eucalypts well over 100 years of age.
The Boundary Road Reserve Landcare Group has been active in woodland management for more than 15 years and has long understood the many problems these unique environments face.
In a bid to increase habitat and species diversity within Boundary Road Reserve, a series of nest boxes have been installed in trees at the site.
"Each nest box is designed specifically to meet the needs of individual animals," Boundary Road Reserve Landcare Group chair Russell Meadley explained.
"As an example, the sugar glider requires a rather large, upright nesting box with a very small entrance hole, while the kookaburra box should be of similar dimensions with a very large opening in a horizontally positioned box."
More than 110 native species of birds have been recorded within the reserve.
A range of walking tracks allow access to the Boundary Road Reserve and the Landcare Group encourages people to visit.
Bathurst Regional Council's award- winning Backyards For Wildlife booklet is a great source of information for those wanting to attract wildlife to their backyard. It is available from council at $3.
In addition, the Racing to Save the Mount Panorama Woodlands Facebook page also provides updates on the work being completed within the Mount Panorama woodland area.
For people wanting to attract native animals to their backyard, installing nest boxes is a great idea. Information on the construction and dimensions of nest boxes is available from a range of sources with Birdlife Australia, Gould League and Australia Museum having useful information on their websites. Additionally, several books on the subject are available from reputable book stores.
For further information please contact Council's Recreation Section on: 6333 6285.