Food for Wildlife GArden
Description
Native vegetation provides food and habitat for our native animals, so it is important that remnant vegetation is protected and enhanced as well as more vegetation planted to support our local wildlife.
Food for Wildlife (FfW) is an initiative whereby specific native plants are grown in an orchard style space to allow easy access for wildlife carers & rescuers to provide native food for injured native animals whilst being rehabilitated. Interpretive signage informs visitors about the different plants and which animals they are used for.
The area for the orchard is close to the entrance to enable easy access and ease of collection by Barossa Wildlife Rescue volunteers. The fauna species this project supports include koalas, ring-tailed possums, brush-tailed possums, and seed-eating and nectivorous birds.
Objectives
This garden has been planted to support local wildlife carers who rescue and rehabilitate injured wildlife in the Barossa region. The Barossa Wildlife Rescue (BWR) members currently source native browse from roadsides, road reserves and private properties which can be a risky activity and may impact the integrity of roadsides and conservation significant sites.
Background
Most of the injured and juvenile animals in care rely on having fresh, native food supplied daily, which can be an arduous and challenging task for wildlife volunteers. The plantings incorporate a suite of natives including Eucalypts, which get coppiced to allow easy picking/cutting, Grevilleas, Hakeas, Melaleucas, Drooping She oaks and other flowering varieties.
All plants have been prepared and grown by the community, including BBG volunteers and Nature and Natter Program participants, living with Dementia. The Food for Wildlife Garden was officially opened in May 2025, with BWR volunteers planting the first 80 mixed seedlings in the prepared site. Time will tell if supply will cover demand with the potential to expand the garden.
Education
The Food for Wildlife Garden is not only useful for BWR and other wildlife rescue volunteers, but also for the community to learn about what is involved in raising injured or orphaned wildlife. Interpretive signage helps visitors get an understanding which plants feed which animal and are able to find out more information, including on how to become involved in animal rescue.