Restoring the Ku-ring-gai Flying-fox Reserve: 25 Years of Protecting Native Habitat (2000–2025)

by Nancy Pallin
Taken in 2025, many young trees in the the habitat grew to over 3m tall.

Since 2000, habitat restoration in the Ku-ring-gai Flying-fox Reserve has evolved from using small plastic sleeves and cages to building larger exclosures that successfully protect native seedlings from swamp wallaby browsing.

Despite challenges from storms, floods, and fallen trees, these exclosures have allowed rainforest species to grow tall and dense, creating moisture-retaining habitats that are vital for flying-foxes and other wildlife.

The contrast inside versus outside the fences is clear—inside, native plants thrive and regenerate, while outside, wallabies continue to graze.

This ongoing collaboration between Bushcare volunteers and Ku-ring-gai Council is helping restore the forest canopy and strengthen the ecosystem.

Click through for more information on the full 25-year journey of habitat restoration and the role of exclosures in protecting Ku-ring-gai’s unique ecosystem.

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