Hastings Landcare aims to install 190 nest boxes and hollows across 19 properties in the Hastings region as a part of their bushfire recovery works.
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The boxes will cater specifically for threatened owl species including the powerful owl, masked owl and sooty owl.
The smaller 'prey' boxes have potential to help additional threatened species such as yellow-bellied glider, greater glider and micro bat species.
This Landcare project has been supported by the Australian government's Bushfire Recovery Program for Wildlife and their Habitat.
The loss of hollow bearing trees is listed as one of the key habitat threatening issues in NSW.
Contributing factors to the ongoing loss of hollows including bushfires, development, land clearing and forest harvesting.
Hastings Birdwatchers representative Sue Proust said the project is a fantastic opportunity to not only create vital habitat, but create greater awareness of the significance of natural hollows and the need to preserve them.
"Large hollows suitable for owl species can take hundreds of years to form," she said.
Participating properties will receive an installed owl box and a combination of smaller boxes or hollows.
Bernard Whitehead from Saltair Flora & Fauna said numerous hollows can be constructed in a single tree.
"We will be using a newly developed tool the Hollow Hog to create natural hollows. The Hollow Hog is a unique boring tool that safely and efficiently excavates hollows in living and dead trees," Mr Whitehead said.
Using a combination of techniques this project aims to create more homes for wildlife in the Port Macquarie-Hastings LGA.
Dr Alexandra Knight, an environmental scientist at Charles Sturt University with over 20 years' experience, is supporting the project by providing rigorous scientific advice including best practice use of nest boxes and artificial hollows.
"Understanding the thermal properties of nest boxes greatly contributes to effectiveness and use by wildlife," Dr Knight said.
"In the long term, Hastings Landcare aims to create opportunities for undergraduate students, TAFE students and schools groups to be involved in annual monitoring, creating more awareness of the significance of hollows."
Nest boxes all over the North Coast will be monitored by Landcare groups to collect valuable data, to improve future nest box projects and provided information on particular species.
North Coast Regional Landcare coordinator Josh Keating said data collected and shared across a whole region provides a much greater insight into what is happening in the environment.
Many Landcare groups between the Hastings and Tweed are undertaking nest box projects this year.
If you are interested in being involved in this project expressions of interest will be open soon. Contact Hastings Landcare on 0467 864 465 for more information.
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