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Wild Australian Sanctuaries Urban Rewilding Strategy
This strategy aims to transform degraded council land into thriving habitats for pollinators and native wildlife, enhancing biodiversity and ecosystem function in Sydney's urban areas.
Key Objectives
Increase native vegetation cover
Create habitat corridors
Boost pollinator populations
Protect & create habitats for native birds, small mammals & reptiles
Engage community participation
Implementation Plan
Site Selection and Preparation:
Identify suitable degraded council lands across Sydney
Assess soil quality and implement remediation if necessary
Remove invasive species and prepare sites for planting
Native Vegetation Restoration:
Plant a diverse range of native species, focusing on:
- Flowering plants for pollinators
- Shrubs and trees for bird habitat
- Ground cover for small mammal & reptile shelters
Prioritise species that provide year-round food sources
Create "pollinator pathways" by connecting green spaces
Identify protected urban native species:
Establish protected habitats for bandicoots in Sydney's inner west
Monitor and support powerful owl movements throughout Sydney
Establish protected habitats for small native mammals like bush rats and antechinus (Broad-footed marsupial ‘mice')
Create water habitats for frogs
Protect Blue-tongue Lizard habitats
Community Engagement:
Develop citizen science programs for wildlife monitoring
Organise community planting days and educational workshops
Educate residents on domestic cat impacts on native wildlife and keeping them indoors at night
Collaborate with local schools for environmental education initiatives
Specific Actions:
For Pollinators
Plant native bee-friendly species such as:
- Bottlebrushes (Callistemon spp.)
- Grevilleas
- Tea trees (Leptospermum spp.)
Install non-toxic bee hotels and nesting sites for native and European honey bees
Create butterfly gardens with host plants for caterpillars
For Native Wildlife
Install nesting boxes for birds and possums
Create rock piles and log shelters for reptiles and small mammals'
Establish water sources like small ponds or bird baths
Install frog hotels near water sources for frogs
Monitoring and Evaluation
Conduct regular biodiversity surveys to track species richness and abundance'
Use motion-sensitive cameras to monitor wildlife activity
Engage citizen scientists in data collection through platforms like iNaturalist
Policy Advocacy
Work with local councils to embed rewilding principles into urban planning policies
Develop guidelines for wildlife-friendly landscaping in public and private spaces
Advocate for the protection and expansion of urban green spaces
Partnerships
Collaborate with universities for research and monitoring (e.g., University of Sydney's urban rewilding project)
Partner with local conservation groups and wildlife rescue organisations
Engage local businesses for support and volunteering
Summary:
Wild Australian Sanctuaries aims to help Sydney transform its degraded lands into vibrant ecosystems that support pollinators and native wildlife, while also contributing to growing the urban canopy, reducing the urban heat island impacts, providing green spaces for improved mental health for residents, and building climate resilience. This approach aligns with the growing global recognition of rewilding as a powerful conservation tool, adapted to the unique context of Australian urban ecosystem restoration.
Research Articles:
https://npansw.org.au/campaigns-2/statewide-campaigns/rewilding/
https://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/strategies-action-plans/urban-forest-strategy
https://www.rewildingmag.com/superb-fairywrens-urban-rewilding
https://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/strategies-action-plans/urban-ecology-strategic-action-plan
https://www.greeningaustralia.org.au/projects/rewilding-Sydney/
https://www.aspect-studios.com/au/news/rewilding-sydneys-most-urban-neighbourhood
https://thomasnewsome.com/2022/09/19/rewilding-urban-sydney-3-phd-projects-on-offer/
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