A community wildlife project will benefit from a donation from an Ocean Grove business.
Haymes Paint Ocean Grove donated its premium 40 litre Solashield paint for the St Leonards Men’s Shed’s wildlife nest box project.
The project involves Bellarine Landcare Group, St Leonards Men’s Shed, Bellarine Bayside Foreshore Committee of Management (Bellarine Bayside) and local Bellarine Peninsula landowners.
This project involves the construction of wildlife nesting boxes by the experienced carpenters from St Leonards Men’s Shed. These nesting boxes are installed by landowners, local councils, agencies and schools to assist local wildlife to nest and breed in the absence of natural nesting hollows in trees.
Tree hollows have been significantly reduced on the Bellarine, preventing breeding for around 10 to 15 species of birds and mammals and there’s growing
interest from the community to support our wildlife through revegetation and nest box installations.
Funds from the nest boxes sales are returned to the St Leonards Men’s Shed, enabling more community projects and the maintenance of their machinery, tools
and equipment.
“Haymes Paint is the only Australian owned paint company which recognises great environmental initiatives such as this by the Bellarine Landcare Group and the St Leonards Men’s Shed,” Haymes Paint Ocean Grove manager Jacki Saraci said.
“This is a fantastic donation and show of support by Haymes Paint for the program,” Bellarine Landcare nest box coordinator David Cass said.
“Our wildlife nesting box designs have been evolving, being modified and researched over the last few years.
“One important issue for nest boxes is their ability to protect the breeding wildlife when temperatures are extreme. Light grey tones help to reflect the summer heat and all weather nontoxic paint will protect these nest boxes for many years to come.”
Portarlington’s Point Richards Flora and Fauna Reserve will also benefit from the Donation.
Numerous nest boxes installed within the Bellarine Bayside managed reserve are now requiring maintenance and repainting.
A community wildlife nest box workshop and information session will be held on Saturday May 7 in Indented Head.
The session is supported by Bellarine Bayside and the Victorian government through the Community Volunteer Action Grant program.
For more information email janes@bellarinebayside.com.au
Information about, and orders for, Bellarine Landcare Wildlife Nest Boxes can be sought by emailing nestboxes@bellarinelandcare.org.au
