Revegetation is an important tool for nature conservation. Common ways revegetation is used include:

• To buffer remnants of native bushland against wind-blown farm fertiliser, herbicides and weed seeds;
• To create completely new Habitat. For example, where woodland habitat for birds is short, we can increase the area of woodland by planting more trees, preferably with an understorey of shrubs; and
• To connect patches of bushland so that a particular target animal – such as a bird or mammal – can move more readily between the two areas and thus increase their access to resources and mates.

You can probably think of many other ways revegetation can be used for nature conservation. In agricultural areas, revegetation can also be used to protect and create other land uses. For example, farmers may use revegetation to stop a salt scald spreading, or to help control wind or water erosion, or to create protected areas for domestic stock. Sometimes there are native plants and planting designs that will not only achieve nature conservation and soil or water conservation, but also provide economic products. The oil mallee project has this objective.

The innovative use of local native plants helps conserve existing biodiversity values and creates production opportunities that would otherwise be overlooked. The aim of a joint project between Bushcare and the Department of Conservation and Land Management is to integrate nature conservation and agriculture objectives through well designed revegetation. The project focuses on the wheatbelt of the south-west agricultural region.

The case studies presented here are products of this project and are the first in a series.

Case studies

Designs that meet various nature conservation, ecosystem process and agricultural land use objectives.

Central Wheatbelt

• Increased woodland viability (pdf, 530kb): By connecting two isolated woodlands, the work described in this case study achieves a total woodland area greater than 50 ha. At the study site, this woodland now meets the requirements for a single reproductive unit of the most Vulnerable woodland bird species.
• Mallet Ridge (breakaway) revegetation (pdf, 345kb): Using a local species, brown mallet (Eucalyptus astringens), this case study shows how revegetation with a commercially prospective species can provide important water and nature conservation benefits.
• Alley farming with oil mallee eucalypts (pdf, 246kb): Describes how revegetation with oil mallees contributes to recharge control. Prospective mallee products and the integration of mallees with a mixed farming enterprise are discussed.

Eastern Wheatbelt