University of Western Australia: Cultivating the benefits of wildlife-friendly gardening

Scientists from The University of Western Australia Albany and Perth Natural Resource Management are seeking people to take part in a survey that looks at the biodiversity and human wellbeing benefits of wildlife-friendly gardening.

As part of a three-year Federal Government-funded project UWA research associate Dr Bronte Van Helden is asking residents from the south-west of Australia to complete a short questionnaire.

“We are looking to work with citizens all over south-western Australia to help us monitor wildlife in gardens and install wildlife friendly structures to investigate whether wildlife and wildlife-friendly gardening have biodiversity and human wellbeing benefits,” Dr Van Helden said.

Possums in a backyard at night

The project aims to connect residents with the biodiversity in their gardens, raise awareness about our urban wildlife, and inspire an appreciation for nature and conservation within both city and natural landscapes.

It will also provide valuable new knowledge in urban ecology, build community capacity to contribute to conservation, and create a long-term wildlife monitoring database in gardens.

Participants will be asked a series of questions including: How do you feel about wildlife in your backyard? Does it contribute to your wellbeing?

The survey only takes about 10 minutes and participants can choose to register their interest to take part in a citizen science project investigating what wildlife is found in gardens and how they use wildlife friendly structures.