Canterbury-Bankstown is home to many different species of native animals that rely on cosy crevices, like tree hollows, to survive.

Animals, like kookaburras, small parrots, owls, possums, gliders and microbats, can’t create their own nests or sleeping spots. Instead, they rely on hollows (or the humble roof cavity) for their habitat.

Canterbury-Bankstown Mayor Bilal El-Hayek said in an urban environment many of these animals now have to rely on artificial forms of tree hollows.

“Throughout Sydney, mature trees with hollows are scarce, so that’s why we’ve installed hundreds of habitat boxes in our local reserves,” Mayor El-Hayek said.

“Many of our native animals rely on hollows for protection and to breed, so without these artificial homes we’re going to see more of these animals creeping closer to our own houses.”

Since Council’s habitat box program began in 2003, more than 400 boxes have been installed throughout Canterbury-Bankstown.
The majority of these boxes were installed more than 10 years ago and are replaced as they deteriorate. Council aims to replace at least 30 boxes a year.

“All boxes have an identification number on the side and are inspected for safety, structural integrity and functionality,” Mayor El-Hayek said. “If you see something interesting using a habitat box, we’d love to know about it!” Residents are encouraged to snap a photo, note the ID number on the side of the box and email cleanandgreen@cbcity.nsw.gov.au

To learn more about the program, visit cb.city/habitatboxes

Canterbury-Bankstown reserves with habitat boxes:

Bankstown / Darani Ward: Bromley Bushland Reserve, Norfolk Reserve, Roberts Road Reserve and Thella Kenway Reserve.

Bass Hill / Bura Ward: Amaroo Reserve, Band Hall Reserve, Bellevue Reserve, Carysfield Park, Dalton Reserve, Jensen Reserve, Kentucky Reserve, Lansdowne Reserve, Louisa Reserve, Maluga Passive Park, Manahan Reserve, Mirrambeena Regional Park, O'Neill Park, Rose Reserve, Sefton Golf Course, The Crest, Thornton Reserve and Walshaw Park.

Canterbury / Budjar Ward: Albert Park, Boat Harbour, Canterbury Park, Cooks River Foreshore, Croydon Park, Earlwood car park, Euston Park, Ewen Park, Gough Whitlam Park, Heynes Reserve (Cup and Saucer Wetland), Lees Park, Mildura Reserve, Pat O'Connor Reserve, Peace Park, Rosedale Reserve, Sando Reserve, Second Avenue Bushland, SJ Harrison Reserve, Sutton Reserve and Waterworth Park.

Revesby / Bunya Ward: Amberdale Reserve, Churchill Reserve, Cutting Reserve, Deepwater Park, Dilke Reserve, East Hills Park, Flood Reserve, Gordon Parker Reserve. Kelso Park South, Kelso Waste Management Facility, Keys Reserve, Lambeth Reserve, Marco Reserve, Monash Reserve, Montgomery Reserve, Morgans Creek Reserve, Newland Reserve, Padstow Park, Picnic Point Reserve, Prince Reserve, Richardson Reserve, River Reserve, Roma Reserve, Rorie Reserve, Salt Pan Reserve, Smith Park, Sylvan Grove Native Garden, Vale of Ah Reserve, Virginius Reserve and Whittle Bushland Reserve.

Roselands/ Bunmarra Ward: McLaughlin Oval, Riverwood Wetland, Salt Pan Reserve and Wiley Park.