By Lachlan Turner
The Growing Food for Wildlife Project began when local wildlife carers approached The Hills Shire Council and asked if they may have some land where they could plant specific native species to grow for the special food needs of rescued wildlife whilst in the care of local wildlife rescue groups. The Community Environment Centre in Currie Avenue at Annangrove was already an ideal site with a well established native plants garden from which wildlife carers could collect suitable foods.
There was also some unutilised and available land nearby suitable for planting a range of additional suitable species that has now been developed for this purpose.
An enthusiastic, active volunteer community was already available which could help with advice, as well as help maintain the native plantings.
Some of the rescued wildlife, such as possums, can eat up to 2kgs of native foliage a day! However, they would probably only eat the fresh outer tips of any fresh green foliage provided. Nectarivorous birds also need to eat from flowering native plants whilst in care, so that they can easily recognise their natural food source when released.
Collecting native foliage and greens for rescued wildlife is a huge job for busy wildlife carers! The planting plots at the Community Environment Centre contain specifically selected local native species that wildlife carers most need to help support them to feed and care for our rescued local wildlife.
A group of dedicated Volunteers tend to these planting plots at monthly working bees, then regularly harvest and donate available native foliage to wildlife carers who need it. They continue to provide supplies for injured wildlife whilst bringing like-minded communities together in a much needed support activity.
For further information go to growingfoodforwildlifeproject.org This essential volunteer driven community project was recently featured in the ABC’s Gardening Australia program.
