Due to the severe storms that have occurred over the last few years, damage has occurred to the wildlife’s natural habitat in and around Wrights Forest, Cockatoo reducing the amount of safe shelter and breeding spots for birds and small marsupials.
When the Environment and Sustainability Committee from the Rotary Club of Emerald and District became aware of this in July 2025, it was decided that this was an Environmental and Sustainability Project that needed addressing.
Emerald Rotary joined forces with Cardinia Shire, Yarra Rages, Parks Victoria and Ecology and Restoration Australia (ERA) a local company based in Avonsleigh to investigate what was required, how much funding was needed and how this was to be achieved.
Emerald Rotary donated funds and additional funds were sourced from a Rotary District grant to assist with this project.
This project (kindly overseen by Alana Begg ERA) was delayed due to the Bushfires in Northern Victoria, however ERA have now successfully installed the nesting hollows, completing the project late April with 25 hollows, in three sites of Wrights Forest.
The hollows have been set at various heights with different sizes for entry holes to suit all species of birds that use hollows and various
small marsupials.
It is expected that residency will be taken by birds and by small marsupials in spring 2025 or as soon as they find them.
Inspection of the sites will occur on a regular basis by Members of the Rotary Club of Emerald and District, ERA, and Friends of Wrights Forest.
