Nest Boxes and Native Birds: Hands-On Learning with Merrijig Primary School

Last Wednesday, Up2Us Landcare Alliance had the pleasure of visiting Merrijig Primary School for a hands-on environmental education session focused on nest boxes and their role in supporting local wildlife.

Students explored how nest boxes provide essential temporary habitat for arboreal mammals, birds, and reptiles—particularly in landscapes where natural tree hollows are limited or take many decades to form. These artificial hollows can play a vital role in supporting biodiversity and helping wildlife persist in modified environments.

The presentation sparked a fantastic level of curiosity, with students asking thoughtful questions about local species, habitat needs, and how they can help protect native wildlife in their own backyards.

Following the discussion, students got hands-on constructing nest boxes designed specifically for local pardalotes. These small but remarkable native birds rely heavily on eucalyptus forests and play an important ecological role. Pardalotes are especially known for feeding on lerps—sugary, protective coverings produced by sap-sucking insects (psyllids) that live on eucalyptus leaves. By feeding on lerps, pardalotes help maintain the health of eucalypt trees and contribute to the balance of forest ecosystems.

To round out the session, students undertook their own research into pardalotes and shared their findings with the group. It was wonderful to see their enthusiasm grow as they connected hands-on learning with real ecological relationships in their local environment.

The afternoon was a great example of inquiry-based learning in action—combining science, creativity, and environmental stewardship in a meaningful and memorable way.

This project is supported by Goulburn Broken CMA, through funding from the Victorian Government’s Victorian Landcare Grants.