Black Cockatoo Forest

Once stretching across the Swan Coastal Plain, Banksia woodlands are now among the most endangered habitats in southwestern Australia. This project brings that vital ecosystem back to life - right in the heart of an inner-city Perth suburb. Less than 4km from the Perth CBD, this forest will feature a rich mix of native species including Banksia attenuata, Banksia menziesii, Melaleuca rhaphiophylla, Allocasuarina fraseriana, and Xanthorrhoea preissii. The forest will provide vital food and shelter for birds, insects, and small mammals, boosting biodiversity and supporting both the endangered plant community and endangered bird species, such as the Black Cockatoo. The speed at which the forest grows is important for providing food for them faster, as both habitat and food sources have decreased significantly in recent years.

This project isn’t just about trees, it’s about people too. Residents of a nearby retirement community will join forces with volunteers of all ages to plant, care for, and learn from the forest, reconnecting with Country and each other. It will become a living classroom and a healing green space, offering shade, connection, and purpose to those who help it grow. As the forest matures, it will demonstrate the power of community and nature working together. This small but mighty ecosystem will improve air quality, reduce urban heat, and serve as a model for rewilding in cities across Australia.