From skinks to geckos, habitat logs are providing cosy new homes for a wide variety of native creatures in Surrey Hills and Mont Albert.
Habitat logs create valuable nooks and crannies for wildlife, particularly when the tree’s existing bark can be retained.
“We understand trees are highly valued by the community and we always plan our works to retain as much vegetation as possible. Where we have had to remove trees for essential construction activities, we always try to reuse and repurpose where possible,” project Environmental Advisor Tom said.
“One example is large habitat logs, which we have been able to incorporate into the landscape design. They not only make homes for native animals and bird life, but also encourage other micro-ecosystems to thrive.”
In addition to habitat logs, project work crews have reused vegetation in the form of mulch for construction purposes and donated mulch and tree logs to local councils and primary schools, and supplied logs to community woodworking groups.
With two dangerous and congested level crossings gone for good in Mont Albert and Surrey Hills, works on the new open spaces and landscaping continue. When works are complete, more than 65,000 new trees, shrubs, plants and grasses will call Surrey Hills and Mont Albert home.
The project team will continue to maintain and monitor the health of the new plantings for two years after project completion, with councils then assuming responsibility for ongoing maintenance.