Hot topic: Firewood collection on roadsides and reserves

Winter is officially here, and we've all driven past a fallen tree and thought what a warm fire it would make. However, it's important to understand the rules around collecting firewood from the roadside or Council reserves.

There are many standing dead trees and fallen timber throughout Council’s reserves and roadside network. Although it may seem like a good opportunity to collect firewood or simply ‘cleaning up’ and reduce fuel levels, Council does not permit the collection of wood from any of its roads or reserves, and penalties may apply.

The removal of this material is considered to have a direct impact upon on the habitat of native animals and can reduce the biodiversity values of these natural areas.

There are many species of birds, bats and possums which utilise dead and hollow trees for habitat. Fallen timber also contributes significantly to soil health while providing important habitat to smaller native animals such as reptiles, Echidnas, Southern Brown Bandicoots, Bush Rats and the Yellow-footed Antechinus, and insects.

The best sources of firewood are from registered suppliers within the Adelaide Hills region, however ensure that the wood is ‘sustainably sourced’ so that you can be confident that habitat was not destroyed in the process of obtaining the wood.