Shelterbelt design guidelines
Key points
- As part of the natural environment recovery process after the Bunyip Complex Fire, Council engaged Eco Logical Australia during 2020 to research and develop shelterbelt designs to be better suited to the future effects of climate change.
- Shelterbelts are strips of vegetation planted to provide a wind buffer, shade for livestock, crop protection or to create habitat for wildlife. They may help protect against some of the increasing effects of climate change.
- Eco Logical Australia developed the guidelines and report following consultation with landholders impacted by the 2019 Bunyip Complex bushfires, as well as with Bunyip Landcare group, Westernport Landcare Catchment Network and Melbourne Water (previously known as Port Philip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority).
- The guidelines and their accompanying report give practical advice to landholders on the benefits, design and functions of shelterbelts and how to create them.
What the guidelines cover
The guidelines provide details on:
- the benefits of planting shelterbelts.
- how to plan and design shelterbelts that will lessen climate change impacts.
- how to select species that will survive future climate conditions.
- site planning and preparation.
- shelterbelt management.
- example design principles to assist whole farm planning.
The design guidelines provide key recommendations including:
- shelterbelt orientation
- planting density
- location
- species selection
- maintenance.
The recommendations will help you to:
- adapt to climate change
- increase agricultural production
- protect built assets
- enhance biodiversity.