Creating an urban forest in Bayswater
More than 2,000 trees have been planted at Riverside Gardens in Bayswater as the first stage of a $2 million urban forest project nears completion.
Supported by $1.83 million funding from the WA Government and a further $200,000 from the Federal Government’s Urban Rivers and Catchments Program, the project aims to increase the area’s tree canopy and improve habitat for birds and other wildlife.
Image credit: City of Bayswater
The City of Bayswater is managing the project in partnership with Emerge Associates and Greening Australia, and there has been significant input from the local community.
Local Government Minister Hannah Beazley MLA and students from Maylands’ Bold Park Community School gathered in Bayswater to plant the 2,000 trees.
Stage one covers four hectares of open grassland on the eastern side of the parkland, between Memorial Drive and the Eric Singleton Bird Sanctuary, extending north to King William Street. Further works on an additional two hectares of land are planned.
Once complete, the park’s redevelopment will also include new connecting pathways and trails, educational signage, bird waterers, wildlife boxes, turtle hides and public facilities.
“Bold Park Community School students should be proud of their efforts,” Minister Beazley said. “As well as benefitting our communities, volunteering is extremely empowering and rewarding.
“These students are helping to increase the tree canopy in their neighbourhood, which can cool homes, streets and parks and create a vibrant natural landscape.”
