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| Gardens for Wildlife
The Gardens for Wildlife scheme (GFW) was launched in August 2008. Participation in this conservation scheme is voluntary and non-binding. The scheme aims to encourage and recognise people who wish to make their property friendly for local wildlife and the environment. The scheme has been developed as a sister program to the long-running Tasmanian Land for Wildlife scheme.
By joining GFW you clearly demonstrate your support and commitment to protecting wildlife species and habitat. You can contribute to bringing nature home by welcoming wildlife to share your garden and by providing a healthy environment for them to do so. Environment - friendly practices are very important too, as what you do in your garden can affect other places far beyond your garden boundaries.
Membership to GFW only costs $16.50 and is open to anyone who wishes to show their support for protecting wildlife species and habitat. No matter how small your garden - regardless of whether it is just plant containers, or a courtyard, roof top garden, deck or larger space - we can all contribute to the survival of wildlife and increase awareness of protecting our natural diversity.
As at November 2012, there were 461 GFW members, 2,563 hectares.
Benefits.
Benefits of membership to the GFW scheme include:
- Contributing to the conservation of local plants and animals;
- More time to enjoy your garden by reducing maintenance time and costs;
- Reducing excess water through wise water use, such as mulching and use of local native plant species which are better able to tolerate drought;
- Benefits from having native birds and insects in your garden through natural pest control (no need for chemicals), increased pollination and fruit/flower set leading to better production;
- Increased environmental awareness; and
- Access to the members only section of the Gardens for Wildlife website
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Urban Sanctuary
Col and nest boxes with new islands and glyvceria in background – Winter 2011. Photo: Rees Campbell | | Just upon the edge of residential development, on the verge of Somerset a small parcel of land contains a big surprise. In 18 months the Campbell’s have recorded 75 bird species, platypus, spotted-tail quoll, devil, bandicoots and a number of ‘vulnerable’ flora species on their Land for wildlife Property ‘Tiabunna’. But it hasn’t all been all leisurely twitching. In the same time we have waged an ongoing battle with the tenacious and toxic Glyceria maxima (Reed Sweet Grass) that upon our arrival choked Tiabunna’s wetland system. We have also planted 700 trees and have plans for a thousand more.
By Rees Campbell, Land For Wildlife Owner
Inspiring stuff you can read more about in the December 2012 edition of The Running Postman newsletter.
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Additional information
If you would like more information about becoming a member of GFW please visit the Gardens for Wildlife website or fill out an application form.
For further information
Contact: Gardens for Wildlife CoordinatorIona Mitchell
Private Land Conservation Program
Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment
GPO Box 44
Hobart TAS 7001
Phone: 03 6233 6427
Fax: 03 6223 8603
Email: GardensforWildlife.Enquiries@dpipwe.tas.gov.au
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