The Dusky Woodswallow Conservation Reserve is a Cassinia Environmental initiative looking to respond to the habitat destruction of precious woodland birds, including the Dusky Woodswallow. This 1700-hectare property is being strategically conserved for protection, whilst also offering purchase opportunities so that you two can live in and help protect these precious habitats.
Early History and Agricultural Impact
Long before European settlement in the 1830s, the Riverina region was the cherished home of the Wiradjuri people, who lived in harmony with its floodplains, woodlands, and mallee country. However, the arrival of European settlers brought extensive land clearing for cropping and grazing, transforming the landscape and leading to significant habitat loss for native flora and fauna.
The Challenge for Woodland Birds
The decline of intact woodland ecosystems has placed immense pressure on bird species like the Dusky Woodswallow. These birds, once common, now rely on small, scattered remnants of habitat.
To halt their decline, it is essential to conserve remnant habitats on private land, restore degraded sites, and expand habitats through thoughtful revegetation efforts.
The Dusky Woodswallow Conservation Reserve
In our humble efforts to contribute to conservation, we established the Dusky Woodswallow Conservation Reserve. This 1700-hectare property, known as ‘Avoca,’ near West Wyalong, forms a vital sanctuary for woodland birds. By partnering with the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust, we have nearly doubled the protected habitat for these birds, ensuring their survival and thriving for future generations.
Through the direct seeding of 850 hectares with local tree and shrub species, in collaboration with Greenfleet, we aim to re-establish habitats and capture carbon emissions. These efforts are already attracting birdlife back to the area.
We encourage you to be part of our mission to protect the Dusky Woodswallow and other woodland birds. Visit www.duskywoodswallow.com to learn more about the project and discover how you can get involved.
photo credit: Dan Bishop
