Important seasonal nesting hollows were destroyed when the Department of Environment, Land Water and Planning felled two large old trees in Castlemaine in recent days, local bird and wildlife experts say.
Responding to questions from the Mail, DELWP say the mature eucalyptus and peppercorn tree long growing beside Forest Creek, near the Lawn tennis courts, were felled because they were impacting on a nearby stone wall alongside Forest Creek.
But the trees’ removal has drawn strong criticism and concern from many, including local wildlife carer Nikki Sutterby, Castlemaine BirdLife Australia president Jane Rusden and noted local birdo and ornithological writer Damian Kelly.
All say the eucalypt tree contained nest hollows that provided valuable seasonal nesting for wood duck over many years.
“We’ve seen the wood duck nest there over many years and we were very shocked to see the trees suddenly weren’t there any more,” Mr Kelly said.
“I would think that tree predated the stone wall and it’s well known that we’re short of nesting hollows. It seems crazy. I’m left reeling.”
Ms Sutterby and others who contacted the Mail particularly questioned what process had been followed before the trees were destroyed and whether due assessment had been conducted to determine the environmental value of the trees.
“These two trees were home to countless native mammals and birds including wood duck families that according to locals had been nesting in these trees for a decade,” said Ms Sutterby, founder of the Mt Alexander Wildlife Network.
“Locals at the site are describing their distress at finding these habitat trees destroyed, and the sight of confused wood duck now wandering aimlessly looking for their destroyed homes.”
The Mail contacted DELWP in an effort to obtain answers and was subsequently provided with the following prepared statement attributable to DELWP Land and Built Environment Program Officer, Lucas Elliston.
“In response to concerns regarding the impact a peppercorn and blue gum tree were having on the integrity of the historic stone wall along Forest Creek, the trees were removed,” the statement reads.
“The blue gum logs have been repurposed by Mount Alexander Shire Council for the development of the Norwood Hill playground, and a number of the logs have been stored for future use.
“Prior to removal, an arborist assessed the tree, found the structure to be unstable and a public safety risk and recommended the blue gum tree be removed.
“On inspection, the arborist found no wildlife using the tree as habitat. A letter was sent to surrounding landowners advising them of the felling of the tree.
“Plans are now underway to undertake essential repairs to the historic stone wall in late 2022 when environmental conditions allow, and several native trees also to be planted at a safe distance from the stone wall.”
But BirdLife Australia Castlemaine president Jane Rusden says she understands that the wood duck that used the tree’s hollows for nesting were simply not nesting at the time checks were conducted on the tree, prior to its felling.
“They checked the hollows but just not at the right time of year,” Ms Rusden said.
“Wood duck don’t use nest hollows except when they are nesting.
“It takes 300 years for the appropriate nest hollows to form and they’re used not just by birds but by all sorts of animals.
“They shouldn’t be cutting down any trees with nest hollows.”
Among local residents left deeply concerned by the tree’s removal, Clodah Norwood said the department involved should now be required to install artificial nest boxes to help compensate for the environmental loss.
“There should be a clear requirement that the community be advised well in advance of any proposal to remove any large trees,” another, Sally Kaptein said.