Western Australian organic carbon recycling business C-Wise has spread its wings to help bird life in the Peel region.
The soil resource organisation, which aims to generate new life from recycling carbon have taken to a new initiative in Nambeelup with a thriving habitat for hundreds of species of birds.
Over the winter, the flooded paddocks and wetlands were home to hundreds of birds and supported the breeding of several species of waterbirds including Black swans, Pacific Black ducks and Australian Shelduck.
The ponds also supported the breeding of Pied Stilts, Red-capped Plover and Red-kneed and Black-fronted Dotterel.
The site is generally closed to the public and therefore breeding has taken place free from disturbance.
As well as these native Australian species, the ponds have also attracted bird visitors from much further afield.
Species which breed in the Arctic and spend the northern winter in Australia have been making good use of the ponds to build up their fat reserves before heading off on the long flight to their breeding grounds.
Mandurah Bird Observers have recorded about 135 bird species on the site.
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C-Wise chief executive officer Andrew Maiden said the company were focusing on the sites’ benefits for biodiversity.
“The habitat has a positive impact on the community and that is our intention when operating in the Peel region,” Mr Maiden said.
“As an environmental business we look at the whole story, including the way we manage the landscape in which we operate.
“Our business has been able to create an environment which benefits fauna.
“We’ve demonstrated how industry and the environment can coexist – we integrate within that environment without causing any issues for fauna or the local community.
“It has the potential to attract bird watchers from overseas, which is a multi-billion travel industry around the world, with benefits for the local region.”
Birdlife Australia’s Ken Monson has been one of those involved in recording bird activity at C-Wise and says the Peel habitat is remarkable.
“The migratory species that call C-Wise home are of national significance,” he said.
“With good management, the site has become a safe refuge for fauna and avifauna.”
