OUR WORK

Hunter Wildlife Habitat Network

We’re building a connected patchwork of safe habitat for native wildlife across our region. Join the program!

The Hunter Wildlife Habitat Network is a community program that places nesting boxes (for either brushtail possums, gliders or birds) and dreys (for ringtail possums) on private properties across the Lake Macquarie and Newcastle LGAs. By connecting patches of suitable habitat across backyards, bushland edges, and green corridors, we help native wildlife find food, shelter, and safe movement pathways.

Each participating property becomes part of a growing network — a living map of community-supported habitat that helps our local wildlife thrive.

Look out for our volunteers at local markets and events

Brushtail Possum Nesting Box

Made possible by the generous support of others

Lake Macquarie City Council

Thanks to Lake Macquarie City Council we’re creating a network of 100 possum boxes and 100 ringtail dreys into the backyards of Lake Macquarie residents.

Orica Charity Community Grants Corporate Partner

Thanks to Orica we’re creating a network of 100 possum boxes and 100 ringtail dreys into the backyards of caring individuals across the Newcastle LGA.

Newcastle Nesting Boxes

Thanks to Newcastle Coal Infrastructure Group we’re creating a network of 100 bird nesting boxes into the backyards of residents across the Newcastle LGA.

Who can join?

To be eligible, participants must:

  • Reside within the Lake Macquarie or Newcastle Local Government Area
  • Have suitable trees or structures on their property for box installation
  • Be willing to monitor the box and report back to Hunter Wildlife Rescue
  • Sign our Habitat Network Participation Agreement
Bird Nesting Box
Ringtail Possum Drey

How does it work?

The process is simple and fully supported by our volunteers:

  1. Sign up online or in-person at our event stalls
  2. Review, sign and return the Participation Agreement
  3. The participant can either collect from a market stall – subject to availability – or a volunteer will deliver the box
  4. The participant installs the nest box or drey and leaves the participant with care instructions
  5. The participant completes a pro-forma sheet documenting the installation (box type, tree species, height, direction facing, GPS location, and condition notes) and returns it to us for records.
  6. The participant monitors the box and reports back to HWR periodically — letting us know if it’s been used, by what species, and any changes observed

Register Your Interest

To apply for your free nesting box or drey please fill in the form and we will send you an agreement.

First Name

Last Name

Address Line 1

Address Line 2

City

Post Code

Phone

Email address

Container Type