Green giving -  
 foliage donation 
 Program 

Green Giving - Foliage for Wildlife

Donate Your Green Waste for the Greater Good

The WIRES Green Giving: Foliage Donation Program is a sustainable way for gardeners, landholders, arborists, landscapers, and local councils to dispose of their green waste through donating native foliage to wildlife in care.

A crucial factor for the successful rehabilitation of native wildlife is access to a diet that closely replicates what they would be eating in the wild. For WIRES wildlife carers who rehabilitate omnivorous and herbivorous species, this requires them to have reliable access to often large quantities of native vegetation both for feeding and housing of the animals in their care.

lorikeet in flowering gum

As all WIRES wildlife carers are volunteers, gathering foliage in suitable quantities is a time-consuming and challenging task.

While our Wildlife Foodbank program helps cover some dietary needs in specific regions, we’re now expanding to accept suitable foliage clippings, branches, logs, and other natural materials that would otherwise go to waste.

This is where your green waste can make a real difference. Whilst donations from pre-planned gardening works make an invaluable difference to wildlife in care, we also encourage sustainable harvesting of native plants to ensure that food and shelter for wild native species is also protected.

By donating foliage, you’ll be directly supporting wildlife rehabilitation efforts, providing much-needed food, shelter, and enrichment to animals who desperately need it. And the best part? You’ll be helping reduce waste and contribute to a more sustainable future.

koala joey in humidicrib

How it Works

  1. Review Eligibility Criteria
    Before donating, check to ensure that your green waste meets the program’s eligibility criteria. This ensures the foliage is appropriate and beneficial for wildlife care. Examples of acceptable plant species can be found - HERE
  2. Sign Up
    Sign up through our easy-to-use online form to become a donor. It’s quick, free, and straightforward!
  3. Let Us Know What You're Cutting
    Tell us about the foliage you’re donating—what species it is, how much you have, and when and where you’re cutting it
  4. Local Carer Match
    If your foliage is suitable, we’ll endeavour to match you with a local WIRES carer or branch who will arrange for pickup or collection. We aim to make the process as seamless as possible for both donors and wildlife carers.
  5. Ongoing Donations
    If you’re a business or large-scale donor, we’ll discuss establishing an ongoing partnership. Many larger operations, such as landscaping firms, Councils, and arborists, are perfect candidates for regular donations.

Benefits of Donating Your Green Waste

  1. Sustainably Dispose of Green Waste
    Rather than sending your green waste to landfill, donate it to WIRES, where it will be used to care for native wildlife.
  2. Support Local Wildlife Rehabilitation
    WIRES wildlife carers rely on donations and limited resources to provide food and shelter for the animals they care for. Your foliage donations will go directly to wildlife in need.
  3. Join a Community of Supporters
    Be part of a growing network of environmentally conscious individuals and organizations who are committed to making a difference.
  4. Help Protect Australia's Native Species
    By donating foliage, you're playing a crucial role in the conservation and rehabilitation of Australia’s diverse and unique wildlife.

Where Can You Donate?

The program is currently being trialed in selected regions across New South Wales (NSW), including Sydney and surrounding areas. However, we welcome interest from other regions and are looking to expand the program as it grows.

Get Involved Today

By donating your green waste, you can help reduce landfill, support wildlife rehabilitation, and become part of a vibrant, environmentally responsible community.

Sign up here to donate your foliage or get in touch with us at programs@wires.org.au to find out more about how you can contribute.

Join Us in Protecting Our Wildlife

Together we can create a more sustainable, wildlife-friendly future. Every donation counts, no matter how small. Thank you for being part of this important cause!

If you are unable to donate foliage on an ongoing basis but would still like to support native wildlife, check out the following resources:

Wildlife FoodBank Project

Wildlife Friendly Fencing

Wildlife Friendly Netting

Contact Us

Have questions? Get in touch with us via our contact form or by emailing - programs@wires.org.au