Restoring Habitats, Reviving Rivers

Jan 14

Words and photos by Mattea McKinnon

Community Action for Local Wildlife

In a heartening display of community spirit and environmental action, Positive Change for Marine Life recently hosted the Wildlife Habitat Creation & Community River Restoration Picnic in Mullumbimby. The event brought together local residents, conservation groups, and passionate environmentalists to take meaningful steps toward preserving the Brunswick River and creating sustainable wildlife habitats.

A core mission of Positive Change for Marine Life is to dismantle the outdated narrative that the ocean and land exists solely for human exploitation, by empowering local communities.

The event was also a partnership between Brunswick Valley Landcare and Wildbnb. Together, they are working to restore the Brunswick River and enhance local wildlife habitats throughout the region. Jan from Byron Bird Buddies also delivered an engaging talk on local birdlife, enriching attendees' understanding of the area's avian inhabitants.

Alison Ratcliff from Brunswick Valley Landcare shared her enthusiasm for the project:

"We have been partnering with Positive Change for Marine Life to restore the Brunswick River and WildBNB wildlife habitat to create habitat solutions throughout the shire. We helped with the original planting day and it's great to be back at the site and see the growth of the trees and the condition of the riverbank."

Their work focuses on fostering a balance between environmental restoration and community involvement.

The efforts to restore the Brunswick River have already shown promising results. In September 2023, Positive Change for Marine Life led a tree planting initiative. Lucy Jepson from Positive Change for Marine Life shared:

"Back in September 2023, we planted 700 native trees on a highly eroded bank off the Brunswick River. We are pleased to share that most of the trees survived despite heavy rain. We are excited to continue monitoring their progress with our volunteers."

This successful planting marks a significant step in the long-term restoration of the riverbank, providing stability to the environment and creating new habitats for local wildlife.

A standout activity at the event involved the creation of bug hotels, led by David Brook of Wildbnb, a company dedicated to supporting wildlife recovery and enhancing biodiversity. The team guided visitors through the process of building these important habitats using fallen tree logs, where they drilled holes to create safe spaces for beneficial insects.

Building bug hotels was more than just a hands-on activity; it was an opportunity for attendees to play an active role in conservation. With each drilled hole in fallen tree logs, participants helped create vital habitats for insects, contributing directly to the recovery of the local ecosystem. This activity was a tangible reflection of Wildbnb’s broader mission to protect vulnerable species and restore habitats.

By installing custom-built timber hollows and other hollow options throughout the Northern Rivers, Wildbnb aims to create safe nesting sites for endangered owls and other wildlife, which are essential for their breeding and survival. These efforts not only provide immediate benefits to owl populations but also contribute to the overall health of the ecosystem by supporting a diverse range of species.

The event also showcased the power of collective action. People from all walks of life—families, students, community members, and conservationists—came together with a shared commitment to preserving the environment.

As participants rolled up their sleeves, they learned about the vital role each species plays in the ecosystem and the importance of restoring natural habitats. It was a reminder that when communities unite, they have the power to create lasting change for the planet.

Thanks to the continued efforts of Positive Change for Marine Life and their partners, there is growing momentum to protect and regenerate these vital ecosystems for generations to come.

With initiatives like this one, the push for positive environmental change is only gaining strength, offering hope for a healthier, thriving Brunswick River and a more sustainable future.