Bushfire recovery and biodiversity

Fact sheet
August 2015

Fire is a natural process to which our native vegetation is adapted. Although initially devastating, fire can be beneficial in maintaining diversity and survival for many species of plants. It helps release valuable nutrients from the soil and can also be important for stimulating the soil seed bank.

Fire can also create fauna habitat by increasing the number of fallen logs and branches. In addition, tree hollows – created by the loss of tree limbs – are important for local fauna.

With time, most areas of native vegetation will naturally recover from burning, but you can encourage the process by managing any potential threats.

Helping recovery

Erosion control

the best way to protect exposed soils is to encourage the natural regeneration of native plants
consider using silt fencing, branches or hay bales to manage small areas of erosion on watercourses, sand dunes or steep slopes
minimise driving on burnt areas by using a single vehicle track.

Weed control

prompt and regular spraying of broadleaf weeds in the first few months post-fire will help with native plant recovery.
contact our offices (details below) to get help with weed identification and to identify suspect plants
ensure that all vehicles and equipment entering your property are clean and free of weeds before (i.e. contractors and advisors).

Fencing

prompt replacement of fencing to prevent stock access will help protect the soil and regenerating plants
in some instances fence lines may catch soil drift, in areas of severe drift it is better to remove fencing before sand builds up over the top of them
patching fences is a short-term measure – wire affected by fire will perish after a couple of years.
every wooden strainer should be checked, they can burn underground and the damage is not noticeable until they are worked on.

Feral animal control

control will help reduce grazing pressure on regenerating plants
while feral animals are at low levels, integrated control methods are most effective.

Shelter

leave any fallen timber where it lands, this is the natural way fauna habitat is created.

Monitoring the impact of fire

Now is a good opportunity to take some records on the condition of your habitat areas, to monitor the impact of the fire and the recovery of the vegetation over time.

Photo points

set up a small number of permanent photo points to record changes over time.

Records and mapping

take notes on any management works you undertake, such as rabbit control, fencing or weed control works
if you have access to aerial photography, marking issues with the date on the maps is a very useful way to record information.

Revegetation

It is always best to allow native vegetation to regenerate naturally where possible. Priority should be given to weed control, taking care to prevent any off-target damage to the native plants.

You may see a flush of fire responsive native species, seen only after bushfire.

In certain circumstances, supplementary planting with tube stock or direct seeding with native seed can be useful. If replanting:

prepared the area to minimize damage from rabbits and hares, and to build soil moisture
choose only species that were present in the local area
consider habitat needs such as the eventual structure of the vegetation and how fast habitat will recover
follow up watering may be required over hot periods to ensure survival.

More information

We have a range of factsheets about bushfire prevention and recovery to assist you with good land management. Refer to the related links below.