DRBNats August 2021
A talk by Dr Jane Chambers, Environmental and Conservation Sciences, Murdoch University.
As I view the suburbs I feel increasing dismay at the loss of tree canopy, the gardens with plastic lawns and the lack of native vegetation or indeed, any vegetation. I was relieved therefore, to hear this talk by Dr Jane Chambers, Director of NatureLink Perth.
Dr Chambers emphasised that rapid urbanisation in the Perth/Peel region is causing significant habitat loss and endangering the area’s unique biodiversity, as native species increasingly can’t move safely between food sources and shelter.
Naturelink Perth details practical ways each of us as individuals, and collectively as organisations, can rewild and revegetate Perth and its environs and protect our precious biodiversity. She showed us how urban design can facilitate species’ movements through urban greening and, especially, by creating linkages between remnant habitats. However, nature links are not corridors of specific width but rather best routes for wildlife.
We were shown maps created by NatureLink Perth Honours student Christina O’Donnell illuminating the poor connectivity between areas and how the distance that native species can travel, whether 50m, 500m or 1500m, has a significant impact.
- NatureLink promotes a five pronged approach:
- Protect and enhance conservation areas.
- Restore urban nature.
- Create natural infrastructure.
- Bring nature to people.
- Develop nature at home.
We were encouraged to create native gardens, and to choose native plants that respond well to resprouting, have different coloured flowers, different leaf textures and plant structures and which flower at different times of year, so that we can attract different types of wildlife.
Dr Chambers explained the Perth NRM’s ReWild Perth initiative to encourage, educate and record people who are bringing nature home. So far there is only one recording in Kalamunda, home of the DRB Nats, but after this meeting there will be more. Participants who record their ReWild projects will enable all of us to see the increased environmental connectivity throughout an area. To get specific tips on how to rewild your garden, go to https://rewild.perthnrm.com/action-list-maker/ and select your suburb.
NatureLink Perth is not an organization but a community of practice. It provides a hub for organisations to collaborate, share knowledge and promote the transition of Perth to a nature-linked city. It is an obvious place for all of us at the Western Australian Naturalists’ Club to have a profound presence.
It’s hard to do justice to the valuable and comprehensive information provided, so please visit the NatureLink Perth website
Thank you Dr Chambers for such an engaging talk. I, for one, am going to be recording my garden on the ReWilding site.
Rachel Green.