From Sand to Sanctuary: Growing a Mini-Forest for Wildlife

A vacant sandy block might not look like much to most people.

But at Esperance Wildlife Sanctuary, we could already see what it could become.

Years ago, this area had been cleared, leaving behind little more than sand, sparse grass, and weeds. It lacked the diversity and shelter that native wildlife depends on, but we knew that with enough effort, care, and community support, it could once again become habitat.

That journey recently took a huge leap forward thanks to an incredible group of Scouts.

Before planting day even began, a great deal of groundwork had already taken place. Colin spent days preparing the site to give the seedlings the best possible chance of survival. Using the tractor, he first scalped away the invasive non-native grasses covering the surface. The soil was then ripped with tines to loosen the compacted ground and improve water penetration for future root growth.

Next came the important job of rebuilding the soil itself.

Organic fertiliser and mulch were added to enrich the sandy ground and create a healthier environment for native plants to establish. Remaining weeds and grasses were then painstakingly pulled out by hand, clearing the area and preparing it for planting day.

Finally, Colin carefully dug and spaced each planting hole to give the seedlings the best possible chance of success. Every position was planned to ensure the young plants would have enough room to establish, while still achieving the dense growth needed for the Miyawaki Method.

Then the Scouts arrived.

After welcoming the group, Colin explained the planting process and organised everyone into teams. The site had already been marked into one-metre-wide planting lanes to help the work flow smoothly and efficiently.

Each hole needed to be properly prepared before planting could begin. Fertiliser and water crystals were added first to help support the seedlings as they established in the sandy soil. The native seedlings were then carefully planted and firmly settled into place, making sure they were deep enough to protect the roots from drying out in the harsh conditions.

Using the Miyawaki Method of planting — a technique designed to create dense, fast-growing native forests — 36 Scouts worked side by side to transform the barren block into the beginnings of a thriving mini-forest.

What could have taken Colin and Lori-Ann days was achieved in under an hour.

Together, they planted an incredible 400 native trees and shrubs.

It was dusty, busy, energetic work, and it was amazing to watch young people so enthusiastically contribute to restoring habitat for local wildlife. Each seedling planted represents future shelter, food, nesting opportunities, and biodiversity for native species that call Esperance home.

But the work didn’t stop once the last plant was in the ground.

After planting, the entire area was mulched with biochar to help retain moisture, improve soil health, and support long-term growth. The site was then fenced to protect the young plants from one of the biggest threats to revegetation projects in our area — hungry invasive rabbits.

Now comes the next stage: nurturing the tiny forest and watching it slowly come to life.

Colin regularly waters the seedlings, with a helping hand from Esperance’s winter rains. During the first two years, it is especially important that the young plants receive enough additional moisture to establish strong, deep root systems capable of surviving the harsh summer conditions.

And this is where the magic of the Miyawaki Method truly begins.

As the roots develop underground, different native species begin interacting and supporting one another, naturally exchanging nutrients and creating a healthier, more resilient ecosystem. Over time, the dense planting encourages faster growth, improved soil health, greater biodiversity, and the development of a self-sustaining mini-forest.

In the years ahead, what is currently a patchwork of small seedlings will become dense native habitat filled with birds, insects, reptiles, and other wildlife. What was once a barren cleared block will slowly return to life.

Projects like this remind us that conservation is not always about dramatic rescues or emergency call-outs. Sometimes it is about patiently rebuilding ecosystems one plant at a time.

We are incredibly grateful to the Scouts for donating their time, energy, and enthusiasm to this project. Their hard work has helped lay the foundations for future habitat at Esperance Wildlife Sanctuary, and their contribution will have a lasting impact for years to come.

From all of us at Esperance Wildlife Sanctuary — thank you for helping us grow a forest for wildlife and for the future.

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