Sabrina Hahn: Why seed collection is vital to habitat restoration

A research article published in June from Western Sydney University found that more than 52 million hectares of land in Australia is degraded and only 10 percent of native plants can be purchased as seed. This is an alarming statistic for the state of healthy ecosystems that support thousands of species. In 2022 Australia signed the Global Biodiversity Framework and pledged to replant and restore 30 per cent of degraded land by 2030. Many are very sceptical that this will be achieved, particularly in Western Australia which has a long history of environmental neglect. Restoration of land for habitat revival is dependent on biodiversity, and this will require enormous amounts of native and an endemic seed stock that we simply don’t have. It is estimated between 600 to 20,000 seeds per square metre will be necessary to repair degraded land to a healthy ecosystem that stems the tide of unprecedented species extinction. Trees and shrubs appear to make up the bulk of seed from commercial suppliers to meet the demand for carbon farming. Understorey plants like grasses, flowering annuals and other perennial shrubs are in short supply but are vital food sources for native birds and insects. Seed supply and collection needs better policy, partnerships and planning for the needs of the future. Partnerships have been formed with local Indigenous groups to revegetate and collect seed on a sustainable level, but we need many more areas to be planted out with endemic species so that overharvesting of seed doesn’t occur. I have been very impressed with local councils and TAFE colleges in the Pilbara and Kimberley that are collecting local seed and replanting around urban areas and bushland to increase natural healthy ecosystems and seed banks. They are planting out native corridors that will become their seed bank for future generations. Seed orchards can be planted on unused land, around government-owned buildings, remnant bushland, private land and along roadsides. Unless we all start planting now for the seeds of the future, our natural landscapes will look very different in 20 years’ time. Australia has the most diverse flora and fauna in the world that have evolved alongside each other over millions of years, with some species dependent on just one genus of plants. Tip A licence must be obtained to collect seed from native bushland, and permission given by owners of private land. Check with the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions for requirements and costs. Three Jobs to Do 1. Continue to plant peas. They can be planted anywhere that has full sun and something to climb up. 2. Sprinkle dolomite lime around persimmons and olives to increase the calcium content and lower the pH of the soil in acidic areas. 3. Jerusalem artichoke tubers can be lifted now, ready to roast in the oven.