The Understorey Network is a group of individuals from all walks of life around Tasmania, who believe that the understorey is important. We promote the protection of existing native vegetation, and the use of local native understorey in revegetation. We are an independent and not-for-profit community organisation.

What are we doing?

Activities

We run field days and workshops to show people how to identify plants, collect seeds and grow seedlings.

Growing Plants

Members collect local native seeds and grow them into seedlings for use in revegetation projects.

Information

We believe in disseminating information as freely as possible - our online database within this site (also available at The Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens in Hobart) gives information on understorey plants and how to grow them.

Support

We provide information, expertise and support networks for groups and individuals.

Projects

Our main project at the moment is titled "Enhancing critical habitat of the endangered forty-spotted pardalote" and has been made possible with funding from the Australian Government's Caring for our Country Program. The forty-spotted pardalote (Pardalotus quadragintus) is one of Tasmania's most edangered birds, with total population having declined to approximately 1,000. This project will rehabilitate and increase the area, connectivity and resilience of habitat (white gum forest) by engaging landholders and community groups to undertake revegetation, fencing, and activities that enhance natural regeneration. The project will also increase community knowledge, skills and engagement through the holding of workshops on seed collection and plant propagation, production of awareness raising materials, and volunteer and school groups growing plants and undertaking revegetation activities. To find out more about the pardalote go to http://www.forty-spotted.org.au/index.html

The Understorey Network has recently completed a project with funding from the Australian Government's Caring for our Country program called "Linking Biodiversity on Farms". A short documentary was produced about this project. Scroll down to watch the videos online.

Linking Biodiversity on Farms

Strategic Plan

The Understorey Network has reviewed and updated its Strategic Plan. Download it here.