Transforming dead trees into thriving wildlife habitats in Strathbogie Shire

By Faith Macale

Feb 23, 2024

New life: Arborists have been developing artificial hollow habitats across Strathbogie Shire for bats and birds. Photo by Christian Pearson - Misheye

Have you ever wondered what happens to trees that have reached the end of their life?

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Strathbogie Shire Council engages qualified arborists to determine if a dead tree is still structurally sound and suitable for development into a standing habitat with hollows carved in for bats and birds.

Natural hollows in trees, especially river red gums, can take centuries to form.

This means that safe nesting spaces have become fewer and further between as humans have continued to move into the land.

Arborists are able to replace some lost habitats by creating artificial hollows.

Council administrator Peter Stephenson said the initiative was a win-win.

“We know trees do not live for ever, and what better way to give them a new lease on life than by becoming a home for our native wildlife?” he said.

“The qualified arborists who assess the trees also ensure the hollows are being well utilised once established by monitoring the sites.

“Strathbogie Shire has a relatively large established tree population, and our arborists have determined that it is well-suited to carved habitat hollows.”

Council is also planting more than 200 trees in 2024 to help cool urban areas and provide more habitat for local animals.

By Faith Macale

Cadet journalist