Dry forest

A light and spacious forest;
Eucalypts in flower, a nectar feast for birds and insects; 
Old trees with deep hollows are home to possums, birds and bats; 
Young trees are planted to connect forest fragments

There are many types of dry forests in Victoria. Stringybark forests dominate the lowlands east of Western Port; red gum forests survive along major rivers in the north, grassy woodlands are scattered throughout the Western District, and the remnants of the once great box–ironbark forests lie in a wide arc from west of Stawell to east of Wangaratta.

During the gold rush, huge areas of forest were cut to provide wood for fuel and building. Forests were also cleared for agriculture, particularly in the more fertile plains and valleys. The remaining forests are fragmented, putting native species such as the Brush-tailed Phascogale, Squirrel Glider and Regent Honeyeater at risk of extinction.

Videos

Old Growth Forest

Chris Tzaros, Birds Australia, talks about Victoria’s dry forests and the conservation challenges they face.

Fire and the forest

Kevin Tolhurst, Melbourne University, describes how Victoria’s forests have evolved with fire for millions of years.

Water for life - protecting River Red Gums

Nick Roberts, Victorian National Parks Association, explains the importance of water to the health of River Red Gum ecosystems.

Homes for honeyeaters – replanting Dry Forests

Ray Thomas, Regent Honeyeater Project, explains the benefits of tree planting to link isolated patches of forest across a landscape.