Northern Rivers farmers invited to lead innovative wildlife-friendly farming project
Barn owl in a nesting box thanks to Wildbnb
Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital is calling for a Northern Rivers farmer to become the first participant in an exciting new initiative that aims to harness the power of native wildlife to help restore natural balance on Australian farms.
The new program, Farms for Wildlife, is a practical pilot project that will work alongside a local farming property to explore how native predators, including Barn Owls, kestrels and boobooks, can contribute to natural rodent management through habitat restoration and strategically placed nest boxes.
The initiative promotes sustainable farming practices that support biodiversity while reducing reliance on harmful rodenticides that can unintentionally poison native wildlife.
Developed by the team at Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital, the pilot will demonstrate how healthy ecosystems can also support productive farms.
"Australia's native predators have been managing rodent populations for thousands of years," said Alberto Bernabe, Veterinary Nurse at Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital and project founder.
"By providing habitat and encouraging these incredible species back onto farms, we're hoping to demonstrate that nature can become one of agriculture's greatest partners. This isn't about telling farmers what they shouldn't do. It's about working together to explore another tool that benefits both farming and wildlife."
The project will be delivered in partnership with Wildbnb, an organisation with extensive experience designing, installing and monitoring nest boxes for native wildlife. Wildbnb will provide technical expertise throughout the pilot, including nest box installation, long-term monitoring and ecological advice, ensuring the project is underpinned by practical, evidence-based conservation.
The pilot will work alongside a participating landholder to install and monitor nest boxes, collect ecological data and document outcomes over time. Drawing on Wildbnb's years of monitoring experience, the project will generate valuable insights into how wildlife-friendly farming practices can benefit both biodiversity and agricultural productivity.
Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital is seeking expressions of interest from farmers and landholders across the Northern Rivers who are interested in becoming the project's first demonstration site.
At the same time, the organisation is inviting philanthropic individuals, businesses and foundations to partner with the project during its establishment phase.
Funding will support nest box installation, habitat enhancement, wildlife monitoring equipment, scientific data collection and community education, while enabling the project team to pursue grant funding and expand the initiative across the region.
"This is a project that brings together conservation, agriculture and community," said Dr Bree Talbot, General Manager of Veterinary Services at Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital and Wildlife Recovery Australia.
"With the support of one forward-thinking farmer, one committed funding partner and experienced delivery partners like Wildbnb, we have an opportunity to create a model that could eventually benefit farms and wildlife across Australia."
The pilot forms part of Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital's ongoing commitment to practical conservation and wildlife health. Longer term, the broader education campaign will be supported nationally through Wildlife Recovery Australia, helping raise awareness of wildlife-friendly alternatives to rodenticides and promoting healthier, more resilient agricultural landscapes.
Expressions of Interest
Farmers and landholders interested in participating in the pilot project.
Philanthropic organisations, businesses and individuals interested in supporting the project.
Potential grant partners interested in collaborating to grow the initiative.
Project Partners
Farms for Wildlife is being developed by Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital in collaboration with Wildbnb, whose expertise in nest box design, installation and long-term monitoring will support delivery of the pilot project.
About Farms for Wildlife
Farms for Wildlife is a Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital initiative that works alongside farmers to support native predators as part of an integrated approach to natural pest management. Through habitat restoration, nest boxes and biodiversity conservation, the project aims to demonstrate how healthy ecosystems can help restore natural balance while supporting productive farms. The national education campaign will be delivered under the Wildlife Recovery Australia banner.