Leicester Reserve Possum Sanctuary

The Leschenault Catchment Council received funding through the national WIRES Landcare Australia Wildlife Relief and Recovery Grants to create a possum sanctuary in partnership with the Shire of Dardanup. 

The LCC is only one of two Western Australian recipients of this funding, which was a huge honour.

The project involved creating a ‘sanctuary’ within an area of Leicester Reserve along the Collie River, removal of woody weeds, revegetation with a range of native plants that are part of the Western Ringtail Possum’s natural habitat, and interpretive signage that provides visitors with information and a chance to observe the species through self-guided night stalks. The Shire of Dardanup committed to providing in-kind support for the project and ongoing maintenance of the sanctuary. “This is a fantastic opportunity to shine the light on how lucky Dardanup is to have the Western Ringtail Possum within the area and how excited we are to work with the LCC and WIRES/Landcare Australia to raise the profile of these incredible little animals” remarked Jackie Nichol, Environmental Officer at the Shire of Dardanup. “We chose the area as it’s a wonderful site near the river for locals and community to learn more about WA’s amazing and unique native flora and fauna and actively help to protect and conserve them.”

More information on the WIRES Landcare Australia grant and our project can be found here:

https://landcareaustralia.org.au/project/wireslandcareaustraliagrants/

https://www.abc.net.au/radio/southwestwa/programs/mornings/possum-funding/12449602