Land for Wildlife is a voluntary wildlife conservation program which acknowledges and recognises private landowners who are managing and or restoring habitat for wildlife on their property. If you wish to create or protect wildlife habitats on your property, then the Land for Wildlife scheme can offer you advice and assistance no matter whether you manage a farm, a bush block, a council park or school ground.
Landholder participation is free. Membership doesn’t alter the legal status of your property in any way. Land For Wildlife registration is not a covenant.
Over 10,000 people make a significant contribution to native biodiversity conservation through their combined membership with Land for Wildlife. They are actively involved in protecting habitat or restoring habitats on their own land. Approximately 4,500 properties (more than 500,000ha of private land) are currently registered throughout Victoria. Ecosystems and habitats being managed include forests, woodlands, heaths, grasslands and wetland environments.
If you have questions about Land for Wildlife, email LFW@delwp.vic.gov.au or phone our Customer Contact Centre on 136 186.
If you are not a Land For Wildlife member, please continue reading below for more information.
How wildlife habitat can benefit your property
- help manage erosion
- assist with salinity control
- control pests naturally
- nurture biodiversity for sustainable agriculture
- provide links between nature reserves, allowing for wildlife movement and genetic interchange
Wildlife habitat can contribute to the survival of plants and animals that are dependent on the habitats that once occupied the fertile areas now largely used for agriculture. Remnant native vegetation is especially important.
Most importantly, you can demonstrate your commitment to maintaining our native plants and animals so that they continue to characterise our environment. Every bit of cared-for habitat counts.
Membership benefits
Land for Wildlife can offer you advice on:
- integrating wildlife habitat with other uses of private land to mutual benefit
- managing wildlife habitat, the fauna in an area, its ecological role and its needs
- other forms of assistance or incentives that are available
Further benefits include:
- contact with like-minded landholders and a chance to share ideas and experiences through the scheme's publications, at field days and other activities
- written information in the form of regular newsletters and a more detailed Notes series
- a Land for Wildlife sign is provided free of charge to acknowledge the efforts being made for wildlife conservation
Land for Wildlife can go hand in hand with other land management schemes such as Landcare.
Consider fencing and revegetating an eroding stream bank with local native vegetation. The river frontage is protected from erosion, plants are protected from pests by wildlife, the landscape is improved, shelter is provided for livestock, native fauna adds to the interest of the area and it may provide a relaxing fishing or picnic spot.
“Most members are enthusiasts when it comes to nature conservation, believing it is their own responsibility to take action, and that people should take more action.”
Land for Wildlife membership
Free. There are no fees. The scheme recognises the significant contribution being made by landholders.
Voluntary. Landholders make a personal commitment to the scheme. They may withdraw at any time if they wish.
Free of legal binds. Land for Wildlife status doesn't alter the legal status of a property in any way. It does not convey the right of public access (for hunting or any other purpose) nor does it mean that the area is an official wildlife sanctuary prohibiting hunting all year.
Support network. The scheme has a network of extension officers and community volunteers around the State. Each property is visited and assessed.
Inclusive. Farms, bush blocks, parks, school grounds, golf-courses, municipal reserves, cemeteries, scout and youth camps, tourist enterprises, Commonwealth land, prisons, industrial land; small and large properties, are eligible.
- Free consultation providing advice and answer questions
- Advice about how you can contribute to biodiversity conservation
- Field days, neighbourhood days, open-properties and information sessions
- A regular Land for Wildlife newsletter
- Land for Wildlife Notes with detailed information on specific topics
- A Land for Wildlife sign if the property is fully registered.
These services are free-of-charge. The Land for Wildlife sign remains the property of The Land for Wildlife program and is returned if the property is sold or the landholder membership finishes. A small fee, payable to the landholder, may apply for entry to private property open days.
Before being admitted to the scheme, property owners will need to demonstrate they'll manage the property for nature conservation or integrate nature conservation with other land management objectives.
The Land for Wildlife status of the property will be retained so long as these objectives are upheld. If the property changes ownership then the new owners need to re-apply.
Land for Wildlife is responsive to the needs of landholders and recognises that each landholder will have a different capacity to participate in the scheme.
Some landholders who are already integrating nature conservation with other land management objectives qualify immediately. To be registered as Land For Wildlife, properties need to be more than 1 hectare in area and have more than 10% native vegetation as habitat to qualify. If you need help in restoring native vegetation, please contact your nearest Landcare Group or the Bushbank Program for more information.
Some ways of incorporating nature conservation on your property are:
- retaining and protecting remnant vegetation
- allowing leaf litter, fallen logs and branches to accumulate in habitat areas
- fencing areas near native bush to allow regeneration
- restricting livestock access to stream banks
- fencing natural wetlands
- leaving river snags in place for fish habitat
- protecting dead trees with hollows
- planting local native trees shrubs and grasses
- constructing a wildlife dam (with an island, shallows and natural vegetation)
- controlling pets, environmental weeds, rabbits and foxes.
Land for Wildlife was established in 1981. The Victorian Land For Wildlife program is the longest running government program providing voluntary, non-binding conservation agreements with landholders in Australia. It started as a community partnership between the Victorian government and Bird Observers Club (now Birdlife Australia).
The Land For Wildlife Program is also delivered interstate around Australia since 1990, under a voluntary agreement with the State of Victoria.
Register your property
Complete the application form and submit via email:
Land for Wildlife application form.doc (DOCX, 251.5 KB)
Land for Wildlife application form.pdf (PDF, 70.7 KB)
We will contact you after we receive your application.
Land for Wildlife Coordinator
Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action
LFW@delwp.vic.gov.au
Do something positive for yourself, your family and your property by doing something positive for wildlife.
Page last updated: 12/04/24