Native havens program

Why are Native Havens important?

The plants and animals which share our City are part of what make it a great place to live and work.  Yet, with less than 7 per cent of original bushland remaining, much of the habitat managed by Council is fragmented.

By creating a native haven, you can help increase the availability of habitat, providing safe places for wildlife to feed, nest and shelter as they move through the landscape.

Whether you are lucky enough to have a big space or are limited to a balcony or a small tricky spot, we can provide advice and the right plant to boost your biodiversity.

What is the Native Havens program?

The Native Havens program was designed to help give schools and residents the skills and resources needed to improve habitat on their properties. Building your own native haven is also a fun way to learn about and engage with the plants and animals of your area.

Native havens together form a network, aiding the movement of wildlife through our suburbs by providing spaces for the protection of our native species. By working together to create native havens, you also build a greater sense of connection with community and place.

The Randwick Native Havens program provides free:

  • assistance designing and planning your garden,
  • advice on habitat features and maintenance,
  • some native plants from Randwick Community Nursery (up to $100 for residents and $300 for schools)

Please note: this program is geared to empower you to create a successful habitat garden through provision of advice and resources - it does not provide labor.

Consider the following in your space:

  • Provide water – The essential resource for all living things, a reliable source of drinking water which is safe from predators can be the easiest way to help support all kinds of animals.
  • Native Diversity – Planting many different varieties of plants means that you can have a garden which produces lots of opportunities for fruit, flowers, forage and shelter for wildlife year-round.
  • What's already in place – Begin slowly by adding habitat before you take anything away, because even weedy plants or messy piles may provide hiding places for wildlife.
  • Layering and variety – Wildlife often like dense vegetation and for some species ground covers can be more important than large trees.  Consider your space carefully to might maximize variety, whether through addition of vegetation at ground, mid or canopy level or through clever use of vertical space (e.g hanging pots or green walls).
  • Lizard lounges – Spaces to shelter or bask are essential for lizards and frogs and are easily created by retaining rocks and logs, even old flowerpots, pipes or bricks can work well.

Want to know more?

If you are interested in being involved in the Native Havens program, please get in touch via bushcare@randwick.nsw.gov.au

Randwick City's Native Haven Manual

Extra resources

Want to know more or get some inspiration for your own Native Haven. The following are excellent resources to help you get started or add to an existing native habitat garden:

Last Updated: 16 June 2025
Back to top