Backyard Biodiversity

Urban and suburban spaces play a critical role in supporting biodiversity and wildlife by offering habitats, resources, and ecological connectivity in areas that are often heavily modified by human activity. Here’s how your backyard can contribute:

Providing habitat

• Parks, gardens, backyards, and community green spaces can serve as mini-ecosystems for local wildlife.
• Trees provide nesting sites, shade and food for birds, insects and animals.
• Trees, shrubs and groundcovers reduce heat in your backyard making it cooler for both us and wildlife.

Supporting pollinators

• Flowering native plants offer nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies and other pollinators.
• Native species provide shelter in an urban environment and can include bee hotels, hollow logs or water features for insects and birds.
• Adding water sources to your backyard helps wildlife during droughts or dry spells.

Wildlife corridors

• Whilst urbanisation reduces natural habitat, backyards, courtyards and even balconies can act as stepping stones allowing animals to move between larger natural habitats.
• Neighbouring properties can create and connect wildlife corridors for many species using  nest boxes, water features.

A backyard garden supports biodiversity by providing essential food, water and shelter for wildlife, especially in urban areas where natural habitats can be limited.

View our handy Backyard Biodiversity booklet(PDF, 76MB) to help get you started in creating a wildlife haven in your backyard.

Even small gardens can make a big difference by creating little pockets of habitat and helping to reconnect biolinks.

Did you know we have a range of nature guides where you can learn more about local flora, weeds, grasses, birds and insects while you are enjoying nature? Download them from the webpage straight to your phone. This will ensure access to the guides whenever, wherever you are.

Our handy resources can help you provide habitat in your backyard to attract a range of insects, birds, mammals, reptiles, and frogs.

• Attracting birds(PDF, 142KB)
• Attracting frogs(PDF, 418KB)
• Attracting lizards(PDF, 130KB)
• Attracting pollinators(PDF, 156KB)
• Attracting wildlife(PDF, 146KB)
• Bats of the Macedon Ranges(PDF, 748KB)
• Create a possum nest(PDF, 762KB)
• Living with wildlife(PDF, 175KB)
• Plants - how to plant and maintain(PDF, 131KB)
• Seed ball activity(PDF, 247KB)

Other garden resources

Save water in your backyard

Coliban Water have created a booklet, Smart Gardens for a Dry Climate full of tips for waterwise gardening in a change climate.

Composting and worm farms

Our Guide to Composting and Guide to Worm Farming will provide you with some tips about worm farms and composting.

Already composting? Consider the Food Organics Garden Organics (FOGO) bin as an extension of the good work you are already doing and a means to take the pressure off your home compost or worm farm. The FOGO bin can take the hard to compost items and things the worms don’t like to eat like citrus, meat, bones, fish, dairy, bread, pasta etc

Home Harvest booklet

Learn how to grow your own delicious fresh food with Home Harvest. This educational and inspirational guide was written by Sustainable Gardening Australia and produced by Western Water, in partnership with Macedon Ranges Shire Council and Hume City Council. 

Home Harvest will teach you more about the health benefits of growing your own food, planning your garden, soil health, compost and worm farm care, and dealing with pests and disease naturally.

Successful applicants of the pilot project will:

1. Attend a workshop to receive expert advice on how to create backyard habitats.
2. Receive a 45-60 minute consultation with our garden designer for your personalised hand-drawn design. The design will be for a maximum space of 3x3m or 9m2. Plants are ordered once the plan has been created and specific species discussed.
3. Pick up a box of 10-15 plants. Plant out the design.
4. Observe the new habitat and watch as backyards come to life with new wildlife visitors.

The benefits of a native garden

A native garden supports local wildlife by providing food, shelter, and habitat for birds, insects, and other species. It conserves water, requires less maintenance, and thrives in our climate. Native plants also promote biodiversity, improve soil health, and create beautiful, sustainable spaces that connect to the natural environment, contributing to healthier ecosystems and vibrant communities.

The importance of native plants

Native plants are species that naturally occur in a region. They are important because they provide food and shelter for local wildlife and have adapted to the local climate and soil.

Biolinks

A biolink is a corridor of native vegetation that connect pockets of habitats, allowing wildlife to move safely between areas.

You can create a biolink in your area. Connect with your neighbours and plant native species in your backyards to form habitat corridors (biolinks).

Backyard size requirements

You don't need a large backyard. You can create potted gardens on balconies or windowsills using native plants and adding water sources to support local wildlife.

Types of wildlife you could attract

By planting native flora, you can attract many birds such as the Eastern Spinebill, Superb Fairy-wren, and various native bees and butterflies.

Timeframe for seeing results

Some wildlife may visit shortly after planting, but creating a thriving habitat could take several seasons.

Wildlife-friendly backyard and pests

When attracting wildlife, a balanced ecosystem often keeps pest populations in check naturally.

Costs 

There are is no cost to join. Participants in the project will receive a 45-60 minute consultation with a garden designer and a free box of 10-15 native plants.

Assistance designing your backyard

As a participant you will receive a 45-60 minute consultation with a garden designer for a maximum area of 3x3m or 9m2. Further advice can be sought privately.

Finding native plants

Local nurseries often stock native plants. To find specific native species to plant in your backyard, you can use Council’s Ecological Vegetation Classification (EVC) resources for plant lists.

Join a local group for support

Most towns across the Macedon Ranges have community groups focused on native gardening and conservation efforts. Contact us for more information.

School participation in Backyard Biodiversity

Backyard Biodiversity is limited to an urban area for residents. There are many programs that encourage schools to create wildlife-friendly spaces as educational tools, such as Resources Smart Schools or Junior Landcare programs.

Schools can contact Council for plant lists native to their area.

Addressing climate change through urban biodiversity projects

Planting native species in your garden helps tackle climate change in a few key ways.

First, native plants absorb carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the air and store it in their roots, stems, and leaves, helping to reduce greenhouse gases. They’re also naturally suited to local conditions, meaning they need less water and no chemical fertilisers, which lowers their environmental impact.

A native garden also supports local wildlife, giving birds, insects, and other animals the habitat they need to survive as the climate changes. Plants improve soil health, reduce erosion, and help the ground absorb more water, making landscapes more resilient to extreme weather.

Even small backyard gardens can make a difference by creating cooler, greener spaces and supporting the wildlife that plays a role in balancing the environment.