These ongoing studies monitor the benefits of RLG plantings to various bird species.

Sites surveyed last week in the Roslyn area revealed a range of species and demonstrated their attraction to a number of migratory birds.

The remnant areas have been described by Ms Taws, author of ‘Bringing back birds: a glove box guide’, as ‘the backbone of the system’, with older trees providing hollows and necessary food resources not available from young trees.

In the past Ms Taws has identified a threatened bird species - the ‘Varied Sittella’, and a threatened grass species - the Floating Swamp Wallaby Grass in local remnants.

Greening Australia has been monitoring birds in both revegetation and remnant habitat throughout the Southern Tablelands for more than ten years. More than 110 bird species have been recorded. Results being collated across Crookwell, Laggan, Roslyn, Gurrundah and Biala in remnants and 24 revegetated sites have reported 49 bird species.

Vegetation plantings by RLG are benefitting small insectivorous birds which provide free, safe and effective pest control services. The plantings also represent shelter and shade which results in improved weight gain and reduced mortality of lambs.

Evidence from land managers elsewhere is that fallen seed pods from Acacias are quickly eaten by sheep and research by both the ANU and Greening Australia is exploring the potential benefits for sheep health in the role these wattles may play in reducing intestinal worm burdens.

Project Co-ordinator for RLG, Mr Eric Hurn said” It is encouraging to see the resurgence of bird species in the area and hopefully more revegetation programs will eventuate. We have been very lucky to have had the services of such a knowledgeable person as Nicki. Scientific studies of such areas are revealing that these plantings are indeed bring back the birds”

This project is supported by the NSW Environmental Trust.

Contributed by Mark Selmes – Media Officer Roslyn Landcare Group.