Native understorey planting

We're delivering new native understorey planting sites in Merri-bek's parks.

The understorey is the layers of vegetation below the tree canopy. Plants in the understorey are shrubs, grasses, ground covers and wildflowers. This vegetation is critical for ecosystem function as habitat for wildlife.

Much of Merri-bek's open space is characterised by large, grassed areas with trees. More complex vegetation is needed to support a healthy ecosystem.

The Native Understorey Project will improve biodiversity outcomes on Council managed land.

Locations for planting have been guided by habitat connectivity research and understorey planting is a continued focus under the Merri-bek Nature Plan. 

Follow our progress on the project on the Native Understorey Project page on Conversations Merri-bek.

Woody Meadows

Woody Meadows are diverse plantings of Australian shrubs and small trees maintained by hard pruning every 2-4 years to stimulate regrowth, promote flowering, create dense canopies and less weeds.

Council have 4 Woody Meadows trial sites along the Upfield Elevated Rail section in Coburg and another at Cox Reserve in Coburg North. Find out where our Woody Meadow sites are by visiting our Nature Map.

These trial sites are informing the design and management of future Woody Meadows in Merri-bek and across the Australian network to improve the function and appearance of public landscapes.
Merri-bek City Council are working closely with the University of Melbourne’s Burnley campus on these trial Woody Meadow sites.
For the plant list, guidelines and more details, visit the Woody Meadow website