Nineteen nesting boxes have been installed in Bellangry State Forest near Wauchope as part of a partnership between Forestry Corporation of NSW and FAWNA to support local wildlife.

The joint effort will see a total of 100 nesting boxes installed across fire-affected north coast State forests, said Forestry Corporation’s Senior Ecologist, Chris Slade.

“Over the coming weeks we’ll be installing boxes across fire-affected forests to support a range of species.

“Boxes have varying designs to suit animals such as microbats, possums, gliders and birds that rely on hollows to breed.

“Thanks to FAWNA for their support of the program; we look forward to seeing what animals will call the nesting boxes home.”

FAWNA President, Meredith Ryan, thanked donors from all over the world who responded so generously to the volunteer group’s Nest Box Appeal launched in November while the fires were raging.

“Without their generosity the project would not have been possible,” Ms Ryan said.

The nesting box program will see Forestry Corporation monitor the boxes to assess their value in supporting bushfire recovery.

“As we are developing a range of nesting box styles, this is a great opportunity to better understand their value and limitations in supporting wildlife during this recovery period,” Mr Slade said.

“Ultimately we hope to build on the knowledge out there and better understand how we can use nesting boxes as a tool to support our native wildlife.”

For more information on bushfire recovery on NSW State forests, visit www.forestrycorporation.com.au.

Media contact: Rod Campbell 0428058549