Haymes helps efforts to protect Bellarine wildlife

A COMMUNITY wildlife nest box project has received a major boost with Haymes Paint Ocean Grove generously donating 40 litres of its premium Solashield paint to assist in protecting Bellarine wildlife.

The project – which involves the Bellarine Landcare Group, the St Leonards Men’s Shed, Bellarine Bayside Foreshore Committee of Management (Bellarine Bayside) and local Bellarine Peninsula landowners – will see the animal nesting boxes constructed by experienced carpenters in the St Leonard’s Men’s Shed group and then finished off with Haymes Paint to protect them from all weather elements.

The nesting boxes will be installed by local landowners, council, agencies and schools in a bid to assist an estimated 10-15 local species of wildlife to nest and breed in the midst of a lack of natural nesting hollows which have been significantly reduced on the Bellarine over the last few years.

The Haymes Solashield paint used in the project is said to combine the advantages of both UV resistant and water-based colourant systems to deliver unprecedented durability. The product is also said to be resistant to mould and perfect for projects of this nature.

The Ocean Grove Haymes Paint branch are thrilled to be a part of the concept as they continue to recognise environmental initiatives all over the country.

“Haymes Paint is the only Australian owned paint company which recognises great environmental initiatives.

“The construction ply that is being used for the nest boxes requires effective, long term waterproofing, UV and salt air protection, which three coats of our Solashield paint will be perfect for,” said manager at Haymes Paint in Ocean Grove Jackie Saraci.

Bellarine Landcare nest box coordinator David Cass and his team echoed Ms Saraci’s comments in regards to the partnership, thanking the Ocean Grove business for their support.
“This is a fantastic donation and show of support by Haymes Paint for the nest box program.

“Our wildlife nesting box designs have been evolving, being modified, and researched over the last few years to protect the breeding wildlife when temperatures are extreme.

“The donated light grey tone all-weather nontoxic paints will assist in reflecting the summer heat off the boxes and in turn help in protecting the nest boxes for many years to come.”

Funds from the nest box sales will be returned to the St Leonard’s Men’s Shed.

This will enable more community projects to get off the ground, all the whilst providing the group with funds to maintain their machinery, tools and equipment.

To learn more about protecting Bellarine Wildlife, you can attend a free community wildlife nest box workshop and information session this Saturday (May 7) at the Indented Head Community Hall.

The session will be supported by Bellarine Bayside and the Victorian Government through the Community Volunteer Action Grant program.

It will be guided by workshop presenter Miles Geldard who has been making nest boxes for nearly 20 years.

To register for the free event or for more information, please email [email protected].

Orders for Bellarine Landcare Wildlife Nest Boxes can be made by emailing [email protected].