At Raven Place Farm, we believe that thriving farms and thriving wildlife can go hand in hand. With the support of the Tweed Shire Council Sustainable Agriculture Grant, we’re taking a new step in our journey to create a resilient, chemical-free farm ecosystem, one that works with nature rather than against it.

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This project is all about bringing wildlife back into the heart of the farm. By installing owl boxes, microbat roosts, and native bee habitats, we are giving nature the tools it needs to help us manage pests, pollinate crops, and maintain a balanced ecosystem.

 

Barn owls can eat up to 8 rats a night, microbats can consume more than a thousand mosquitoes in an hour, and native bees are vital for pollinating our seasonal vegetables and fruit. Together, they become partners in the farm’s health and productivity.

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This work is not only about protecting crops, it’s about supporting biodiversity across the region. Hollow-dependent wildlife is disappearing from our landscape, and it can take centuries for trees to form the hollows these species need. By creating immediate, functional habitats, we help owls, microbats, and bees thrive, while showing local landholders practical ways to reduce chemical use and regenerate their own properties.

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The project builds on our previous work with Tweed Shire Council and ITV grants, which supported riparian regeneration and community food gardens. This next phase turns the focus toward biological pest control and pollination, creating a farm ecosystem that is self-regulating, vibrant, and resilient.

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Collaboration is key. Raven Place Farm’s landowner Michelle Kuramochi works closely with regenerative farmer Rachael Sanderson and Wildbnb Wildlife Habitat founder David Brook, whose expertise in hollow-dependent species ensures every habitat we install is designed for success. Together, we monitor wildlife, adjust habitats as needed, and gather data to understand how these species support both our crops and the wider landscape.

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We will share the results with our local community through a hands-on event, inviting landholders, volunteers, and neighbours to learn, see the wildlife in action, and take inspiration for their own properties. The grant doesn’t just support Raven Place, it multiplies knowledge and benefits across the Northern Rivers.

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This project is a dream come true, a story of connection, between people and wildlife, crops and predators, the land and the community. It’s a living example of how thoughtful, innovative biodiversity initiatives can protect our food, nurture native species, and build a resilient, regenerative future for all.

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• • Owl boxes reduce rodent damage (barn owls can eat up to 8 rats/night).

  • Microbat boxes target flying insect pests (microbats can eat up to 1,200 mosquitoes/hour).

  • Native bee boxes improve crop pollination and ecosystem health..

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TIMELINE

- 2024 - Rachael suggested we install Owl boxes 

- 2025 - September 23 - Install 

- 2025 - September 30 - first barn owl eating a rat was spotted.

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