How a $10 hack is helping Australians save possums

In the land Down Under, where the wildlife is as diverse as the landscape, Australians are known for their love of nature and their ingenuity in preserving it. This passion has recently been channelled into a backyard trend that’s taking the country by storm, thanks to a simple yet brilliant idea from a Bunnings employee. Marita Ekengard, a Sydney local, has inspired countless Australians to create affordable shelters for one of the country’s beloved native animals: the possum.

The trend, which is both cost-effective and environmentally friendly, involves crafting possum shelters using materials that can be easily found at Bunnings Warehouse, a popular home improvement and outdoor living retailer. For a mere $10, Marita has shown how anyone can contribute to wildlife conservation right in their own backyard.

Marita’s journey began while watching a wildlife rescue documentary. She spotted a coconut liner, a material typically used in gardening, and realised it would make an excellent material for a possum shelter. The idea struck her when she noticed coconut liners for sale at her local Bunnings. She purchased two liners, along with hanging baskets and cable ties, and set to work on her DIY project.

The process was straightforward. Marita lined the inside of the hanging baskets with the coconut liner, then attached the two baskets at their bases, ensuring there was a ‘little door’ for the possums to enter. The entire assembly took her just twenty minutes, and the result was a lightweight, easy-to-install possum house. Unlike traditional wooden possum houses, which can be heavy and expensive, Marita’s version was a breeze to attach to a tree. Within two weeks of hanging up her creation, a possum had already taken up residence.

The response to Marita’s possum shelter hack has been overwhelmingly positive, with many Australians expressing their admiration and sharing their own versions of the shelter. Some have used plastic pots or paper bark to further weatherproof their shelters, demonstrating the versatility and creativity of the Australian spirit.

This initiative comes at a crucial time, as numerous possum species are listed as threatened under Australian environmental laws, primarily due to habitat destruction from land clearing and urban development. Small shelters like Marita’s can provide a much-needed refuge for these animals as they navigate the challenges of urbanised landscapes.

Across Australia, an estimated 300 vertebrate species depend on tree hollows for survival. These hollows serve as shelter, nesting sites, and a place to rear young, as well as offering protection from extreme temperatures. Recognising the importance of these natural habitats, a growing number of Australians are taking it upon themselves to create makeshift homes for native animals and birdlife in their gardens.

The movement has even spawned a public Facebook group called Nest Box Tales, which boasts over 27,000 members. Enthusiasts share their success stories, tips, and designs for various nest boxes, fostering a community of wildlife supporters. An accompanying website offers a wealth of resources, including free booklets and designs for different types of nest boxes.

Have you tried creating a possum shelter or any other type of wildlife haven in your garden? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below – we’d love to hear about your contributions to this amazing Australian gardening trend!

Also read: Against all odds: A couple’s remarkable encounter with wildlife in Grampians National Park