Restoring grassland and woodland ecological communities in the ACT
Summary
Over the next four years, the Australian Government will provide up to $2.25 million through the Natural Heritage Trust to restore grassland and woodland ecological communities in the ACT. he project focuses on improving the condition of threatened ecological communities, listed on the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. The project supports threatened species like Black Gum, Button Wrinklewort, and Small Purple Pea. It aims to increase resilience to climate change and engage First Nations communities in managing threatened ecological communities.
Background
Lowland woodlands in eastern Australia have largely been cleared, with less than five percent remaining The ACT preserves over a third of its original lowland woodlands, particularly the Box-Gum Grassy Woodland. This ecological community is considered threatened both regionally and nationally, with the ACT hosting some of the highest-quality patches. These woodlands support a range of endangered species. However, they face significant threats from invasive species, altered fire and grazing regimes, and the decline of isolated paddock trees due to natural ageing and climate change.
Project goals
The project will benefit the White Box-Yellow Box-Blakely's Red Gum Grassy Woodland and Natural Temperate Grassland of the South-eastern Highlands across the ACT. The project aims to:
- enhance the health and connectivity of White Box-Yellow Box-Blakely’s Red Gum Grassy Woodland and Natural Temperate Grassland
- support threatened species like Black Gum, Button Wrinklewort and Small Purple Pea through targeted translocations and habitat restoration
- increase the ability of threatened ecological communities to adapt to future climate change and extreme weather events
- increase public awareness and appreciation of the unique biodiversity and conservation value of the threatened ecological communities.
Project details
The funding will support:
- revegetation to restore wildlife habitat structure and improve connectivity between woodland patches
- management of invasive weeds to reduce competition and prevent ecosystem degradation in grassland and woodland sites
- baseline surveys and ongoing monitoring to assess habitat condition, species composition, and community knowledge
- ecological burns to enhance ecological condition, reduce exotic plant competition, and prepare sites for revegetation.
Project partners / funding information
This project is funded by the Australian Government Natural Heritage Trust and delivered by ACT Natural Resource Management (NRM), a member of the Commonwealth Regional Delivery Partners panel.
ACT NRM delivers this project in partnership with Environmental Restoration Design and Planning, 18Fifty3,Landcare ACT, Friends of Grasslands, First Nations community members, and landholders.
What you can do
Protecting our grassland and woodland communities is essential as they play an important role in providing habitat for native species, adapting to climate change and extreme weather events, and supporting sustainable agriculture.
To maintain ecological balance and support biodiversity, you can:
- follow guidelines to minimise your impact when visiting natural areas, such as staying on designated paths and not disturbing wildlife.
- help with activities such as planting native species, protecting regenerating trees or plant replacements, and removing invasive weeds.
- join community planting days, educational workshops, and other events to learn about and contribute to restoration efforts.