What happens when a group of neighbours decide their backyards can do more than provide a peaceful place to relax? They create a safe haven for wildlife.

In Sydney's north-west Hawkesbury region, residents of Kurrajong Heights have come together to protect a 40-hectare wildlife corridor, connecting important habitats between the Wollemi and Blue Mountains national parks. Through teamwork, conservation and a shared love of nature, these neighbours are helping create a lifeline for local wildlife.

When the forest went quiet

For local resident Lesley Hulbert, the importance of protecting this natural landscape is personal. After the devastating 2019 to 2020 bushfires, the forest behind her home fell unusually quiet. The gang-gang cockatoos, koalas and wallabies that once visited her backyard seemed to disappear.

"I used to find lots of koala droppings on the property. All that stopped," Lesley said when speaking with ABC News.

But nature has a remarkable way of returning when given the chance. In recent years, Lesley has captured signs of wildlife coming back, including possums and wallabies spotted through trail camera footage near a pond she built with her husband. Now, she and her neighbours are working to make sure these animals continue to have space to thrive.

A backyard sanctuary grows into a wildlife corridor

The 40-hectare wildlife corridor was created by several neighbours joining their properties together through a formal agreement with the Community Environment Network's Land for Wildlife program, which supports landowners with conservation.

Creating the corridor involved identifying native flora, removing invasive species and protecting the native species already living on the land.

One neighbour, Polly Bennett, has contributed 30 hectares of Sydney turpentine ironbark forest to the corridor. For Polly, the project is about protecting the natural connections that support local ecosystems. "It's our biodiversity. That's our web of life," she said.

And this web of life needs safe pathways. According to Stephanie Carrick from the Sydney Basin Koala Network, the corridor helps connect endangered species with two major national parks and provides an important habitat link for animals including koalas and gang-gang cockatoos.

A reminder that conservation can start at home

While large conservation projects often make headlines, the Kurrajong Heights wildlife corridor shows that meaningful change can also begin with a few neighbours looking after the land around them.

This story is a beautiful reminder that every patch of nature matters. Whether it's restoring habitat, planting native species or simply creating a little more space for wildlife in our own backyards, small steps can help build a healthier future for the creatures we share our planet with.

Because when communities come together, the future looks a little greener. And in this case, a whole lot more wild!

Ready for another feel-good story? Check out our blog here about the New South Wales natural burial ground that's giving back to nature!

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. What is a wildlife corridor and why is it important?

A wildlife corridor is an area of connected habitat that allows animals to safely move between different natural areas. Wildlife corridors help species access food, shelter and breeding areas while supporting biodiversity and protecting important ecosystems.

2. How did Sydney neighbours create a 40-hectare wildlife corridor?

Neighbours in Kurrajong Heights came together to protect 40 hectares of private land by entering a formal agreement through the Community Environment Network's Land for Wildlife program. The project involved identifying native flora, removing invasive species and protecting existing native habitat.

3. Which animals benefit from the Kurrajong Heights wildlife corridor?

The wildlife corridor supports native animals including koalas, wallabies, possums and gang-gang cockatoos. The corridor helps connect habitat between the Wollemi and Blue Mountains national parks, creating safer pathways for wildlife.

4. Why are wildlife corridors important for koala conservation?

Wildlife corridors provide important habitat connections that allow koalas and other native animals to move between areas safely. In Kurrajong Heights, the corridor helps link koala habitat near two major national parks and supports the movement of endangered species.

5. How can communities help protect local wildlife?

Communities can support local wildlife by protecting native plants, restoring habitat, removing invasive species and creating spaces where animals can thrive. The Kurrajong Heights wildlife corridor shows how collective action can make a positive difference for nature.