Our Natural Environment
Dorset is defined by a diverse array of terrestrial, freshwater, estuarine, coastal and marine habitats, each of which contains important flora and fauna species and ecosystems. The economic, social and environmental wellbeing of the community is underpinned by the capacity of the natural environment to support our needs.
Facts and figures
- Native vegetation covers approximately fifty-four percent of Dorset’s land area.
- Some of the important vegetation communities in Dorset include rainforests, wet eucalypt forests, button grass plains, alpine moorlands, swamp forests, coastal heathland and saltmarsh.
- Eighteen percent of the municipality is in conservation covenants or other secure reserves.
- Two internationally listed Ramsar wetlands and twelve nationally listed DIWA wetlands are found in the municipality.
- Ninety-four nationally listed threatened species are found in the municipality including wedge-tailed eagles, Tasmanian devils, and the Scottsdale burrowing crayfish.
- Dorset’s coastal areas and offshore islands provide habitat for many migratory birds species listed under international agreements such as JAMBA and CAMBA.
Conservation Areas
Dorset has many areas where our community can enjoy the natural environment. Some examples of these include Mt William National Park, Waterhouse Conservation Area, Granite Point Conservation area, Mt Cameron Regional Reserve and Mt Stronach Regional Reserve.
Gardening with local native plants
Benefits of native gardens
- Help to maintain biodiversity by providing a space for rare or endangered plants.
- Provide food, shelter and nesting habitat for native animals. Many birds and insects attracted to your garden will act as a natural pest control and increase pollination leading to better production.
- Reduce water and fertiliser use if you use plants from your area that are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions.
- Prevent introduced garden plants from invading the natural environment and becoming invasive weeds.
- Enjoy the beauty of Dorset’s native flora.
- What native plants are suitable for my local conditions?
- Should I buy my plants from a nursery or propagate them?
- Are the plants I’m buying of local provenance?
- How can I design my native garden for fire protection?
- How can I design my native garden for minimal water use?
Things to consider
- What native plants are suitable for my local conditions?
- Should I buy my plants from a nursery or propagate them?
- Are the plants I’m buying of local provenance?
- How can I design my native garden for fire protection?
- How can I design my native garden for minimal water use?
More native plant information
- The Dorset Plant Species List is a great resource for selecting native plants found in Dorset.
- The Grow Me Instead Website contains a wealth of information on native species you can plant as an alternative to introduced flora.
- The Australian Plants Society Tasmania Website lists a number of valuable publications about Australian native plants.
- In addition to these links, local plant nurseries can be a great source of advice.