Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife

Become a Backyard Buddy

Being a backyard buddy doesn't involve any formal commitment. Just do what's right for you, your backyard, and your neighbourhood. You'll have the satisfaction of:

• getting to know your local native plants and animals
• giving plants and animals the natural conditions they need - not only to survive, but to prosper
• making your local environment a more beautiful and enjoyable place
• helping make sure that our native animals and plants are there for our children to enjoy.

Backyard buddies are supported by the NPWS, together with local councils and other interested groups. So you can always get helpful advice and suggestions if you need them.

Things you can do

Backyard Buddies is very much a local program. So what you do as a backyard buddy will vary depending on where you live and the wildlife that is native to your area.

You are a backyard buddy when you:

• Add native plants to your garden to provide natural food sources for birds and butterflies
  (get more info from the Flora for Fauna website).
• Install a nest box in a backyard tree to make a home for birds.
• Provide fresh water on your terrace for the benefit of visiting birds.
  Keep cats at home with you at night to help protect our nocturnal animals.
• Use leaf mulch on your garden, which is great for worms and tiny bugs.
• Use rocks in your garden to provide a haven or sunny spot for lizards.
• Prune and tidy your garden gradually to allow native animals to adjust to new conditions.
• Check for lizards when gardening or mowing to avoid injuring them.
• Use less pesticide in your garden to help protect butterflies, lizards and frogs.
• Avoid feeding native birds and animals honey or sweet things as it cause dietary problems.
  Plant natives, which are high in nectar to attract them into your garden.

Got some tips to suggest? Email them to us!