ACCIONA has delivered a significant ecological enhancement as part of the Shepparton Line Upgrade (SCU3) in Victoria, by planting over 580 native trees and shrubs to improve habitat connectivity and support biodiversity across the Victorian Riverina Plains Grassy Woodlands.
The initiative uses private laydown areas adjacent to the rail corridor to restore endangered vegetation and expand remnant habitat patches.
The planting features indigenous species from the Victorian Riverina Plains Grassy Woodlands, an ecological vegetation class (EVC) that has lost 97% of its original extent since European settlement.
By extending vegetation beyond the rail corridor, the project strengthens links between fragmented habitats and contributes to long-term ecological resilience.
The newly planted vegetation will provide multiple benefits, including shelter for livestock, privacy screening from nearby roads, and enhanced habitat for native wildlife.
It also supports biodiversity, increases carbon sequestration, and improves the overall ecological value of the landscape.
In a further innovation, the project team is trialling biodegradable wildlife habitat pods as tree guards.
Designed by wildlife ecologist Dr Alex Carthey, the ReHabitat Plant Pods protect seedlings from environmental stress and herbivores while offering immediate shelter for small native animals such as reptiles, invertebrates, birds, and mammals.
The double-walled design includes entry and exit holes tailored to native species and will naturally biodegrade as the vegetation matures.