Investing in biodiversity through nature corridors

At our Willowdale project in South West Sydney, we are undertaking a 16ha conservation project, to restore a creek corridor that includes endangered ecological communities associated with the Cumberland Plain of Western Sydney.

With the goal of conserving biodiversity in Western Sydney, the 16 hectare creek corridor was set aside for rehabilitation and conservation as part the project’s 39 hectares of open space and parkland. The plan to restore the biodiversity corridor will see 10,000 plants indigenous to the location planted, including Forest Redgum and Sickle Wattle. Over 6,000 plants have already been installed, with the remainder will be planted in future stages of the restoration work.

As part of the restoration activities, boardwalks, trails, and shared picnic areas will be formed to enable locals and visitors to experience the natural landscapes along the creek line. Another unique opportunity to experience nature comes from the installation of a Bird Hide. The Bird Hide will provide an opportunity for the community to observe an array of aquatic birds that frequent the area at close range, including the White Faced Heron and the Royal Spoonbill.

The other key feature of the creek nature corridor will be the planting of an assortment of “bush tucker” plants along the trails. The trail will feature educational signage describing species of plants that provide food opportunities such as edible berries and finger limes. This will allow residents and visitors to learn more about native species and biodiversity, whilst getting amongst nature and staying active.

Richard Rhyddarch, Stockland’s General Manager for NSW Communities said “Sustainability is at the core of our masterplanned community and our exciting new 16 hectare parkland will allow residents to get back to nature in the heart of Sydney’s southwest. Willowdale exemplifies Stockland’s philosophy of creating affordable, highly liveable communities as well as fostering healthy and active lifestyles."

Once complete, the Willowdale creek corridor will not only provide a refuge for flora and fauna species and recreational opportunities for residents and visitors, but also contribute to shade and heat relief in Western Sydney, helping to build greater resilience to impacts of climate change.

Willowdale is a 6 star Green Star Community, as certified by the Green Building Council of Australia.