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Lodge Environmental

<figure id="attachment_758" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-758" style="width: 1024px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-758 size-full" src="https://cms.lodgeenviro.com.au/wp-content/uploads/54151343682_1fe30a2a4a_b.jpg" alt="Image of Jack" width="1024" height="692" srcset="https://cms.lodgeenviro.com.au/wp-content/uploads/54151343682_1fe30a2a4a_b.jpg 1024w, https://cms.lodgeenviro.com.au/wp-content/uploads/54151343682_1fe30a2a4a_b-300x203.jpg 300w, https://cms.lodgeenviro.com.au/wp-content/uploads/54151343682_1fe30a2a4a_b-768x519.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-758" class="wp-caption-text">Jack Talbert Director</figcaption></figure>

Life as an ecologist is to enact the privilege of the wanderer, distracted by all the sights and sounds leading us meandering through the bush to see what we find. The team has been busier than ever surveying across landscapes earmarked for private land conservation. I have loved every vicarious minute of it, hearing of the adventures on their return.
While we wander through our sites, as a company we have more direction than ever before. This year saw us gain formal recognition as we were able to celebrate becoming a certified B Corp with a very pleasing score of 108.2. The B Corp Certification, combined with being a 1% for the Planet member for the 6th year in a row, has helped continue to transform Lodge.
We are all participating in the future of our environment. From submissions on developing legislation around the role the State government plays in the Biodiversity Offset Scheme, to the development of a Biodiversity Broker role, we take our position seriously. This year we are aiming at increasing our percentage of purely conservation based project types once again.
It is a privilege to be in this industry, aiming to create positives for nature across all our projects, and for all our clients. Bring on more adventures for 2026/27.
You can read Jack&#8217;s full letter in our report download.

From our director

<div class="title">4,782 ha conserved</div>
<div class="title">$21,366 donated</div>
<div class="title">450 trees planted</div>
<div class="title">34% revenue from BSAs</div>

Through Biodiversity Stewardship Agreements, Conservation Agreements and Vegetation Management Plans we have helped to protect and improve the biodiversity of this land.
Through our 1% for the Planet donations fundraising, and other initiatives we have proudly supported 11 organisations.
Every year our team participates in a planting day to help revegetate Critically Endangered Robertson Rainforest on private property in Kangaloon.
Biodiversity Stewardship Agreements continue to be the company’s largest project-based revenue stream.

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Impact Highlights

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Project Highlights

Under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974, an area of exceptional natural or cultural value that warrants special protection, including dedicated or specialised management measures, may be declared an Asset of Intergenerational Significance (AIS). Lodge Environmental was engaged to undertake population monitoring surveys for two declared AIS species: Pultenaea aculeata (syn. Pultenaea sp. Olinda) and Baeckea kandos. Amongst the steep pagodas of the Wollemi National Park, you&#8217;ll find these species growing in shallow, sandy soil. Our monitoring work contributes to broader understanding of how these species respond to fire and what management is needed for these species in the future. This work was completed in partnership with, and funded by, AIS and the Applied Bushfire Science Program.

Wollemi Threatened Species Monitoring

In the grasslands of Dry Plain, the Sisters Grassy Woodlands will be protected and managed in perpetuity under a Biodiversity Stewardship Agreement (BSA). Across 11 days of vegetation surveys, Lodge Environmental ecologists confirmed critically endangered threatened ecological communities (TECs) Monaro Tableland Cool Temperate Grassy Woodland and Natural Temperate Grassland, 130 ha of Mauve Burr-daisy (Calotis glandulosa) habitat and over 70,000 Hoary Sunray (Leucochrysum albicans subsp. tricolor) individuals. To assist with understanding the unique grassland condition and appropriate management, Lodge ecologists conducted an additional survey with local representatives of Local Land Services and Friends of Grasslands in which over 167 Dodonaea procumbens individuals were recorded.

Sisters Grassy Woodlands

Just south of Kempsey NSW lies 500 hectares of native forest that has been protected and managed under a BioBank agreement since 2016. With large scribbly gums, an intricate network of streams and plentiful hollows, this site is a haven for threatened species. Through a combination of spotlighting, bioacoustic surveys and baited camera traps, we successfully recorded eight threatened species including Masked Owl (Tyto novaehollandiae), Sooty Owl (Tyto tenebricosa), Grey-headed Flying-fox (Pteropus poliocephalus), Powerful Owl (Ninox strenua), Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus), Brush-tailed Phascogale (Phascogale tapoatafa), Long-nosed Potoroo (Potorous tridactylus) and Little Lorikeet (Parvipsitta pusilla). The prevalence of threatened species within the site demonstrates the importance of private land conservation and management in providing crucial threatened species habitat.

Norton BioBank Targeted Surveys

When it comes to impact projects, one of our primary goals is to help improve the outcome for biodiversity. For a recent project, the initial proposed impact extended into 1.6 ha of consolidated bushland characterised by good condition Shoalhaven Lowland Bloodwood Shrub Forest. During the required threatened species surveys, Lodge Environmental confirmed this bushland is home to the endangered Southern Greater Glider (Petauroides volans) among other threatened species such as Powerful Owl (Ninox strenua) and threatened microbats. Following our findings, the impact footprint was reduced by 1.6 ha to retain this important threatened species habitat and will now only impact current disturbed areas.

Retaining Greater Glider Habitat

Positive impact doesn’t only come from the work you do, but how you choose to run your business. That is why we are proud to say that this year was the year we became a certified B Corporation.
B Corp Certification is an integrated business certification that assesses and verifies a company&#8217;s social, environmental, and governance impact against the rigorous B Lab Standards. Becoming a certified B Corp was not an easy nor a quick process. It required us to reflect on our practices, improve internal procedures and introduce new policies, which, for a small company like ours, is a big investment.
After months of our Director Jack and our Operations Manager Tim working hard in the background, we finally became certified. With an overall B Impact Score of 108.2, we are 28.2 points above the B Corp qualifying score and 57.3 points above the median score for ordinary businesses.
This certification means a lot to us and will motivate and guide us to continue to operate our company in a way that we can be incredibly proud of. We can also now give ourselves the unofficial title of being a B1 company, being a B Corp and a 1% for the Planet member.

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Becoming B Corp

One of our core missions is to improve the way humans operate within our biodiverse state. We are always striving to improve outcomes for native flora &amp; fauna by helping to reduce impacts as much as possible. Through our involvement in development projects, this year we have avoided impacts to 4,002.3 ha of native vegetation, including:
<ul>
<li>Known Southern Greater Glider (endangered) habitat</li>
<li>Glossy Black-Cockatoo (vulnerable) &amp; Yellow-bellied Glider (vulnerable) feed trees</li>
<li>4,000 ha of woodland proposed to be cleared for agriculture, to be instead protected under a Voluntary Conservation Agreement</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;

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Avoidance

This year marked the launch of Lodge Labs, a bespoke, purpose-built facility and highly skilled team that allows Lodge to deliver cutting-edge passive acoustic monitoring.
Since the launch of Lodge Labs we have analysed over 12,000 hours of acoustic data and 174 survey nights of ultrasonic data. Some key results of this analysis include the following threatened species recorded:
<ul>
<li>Powerful Owl (Ninox strenua) confirmed across four projects</li>
<li>Southern Myotis (Myotis macropus) confirmed across three projects</li>
<li>Large-eared Pied Bat (Chalinolobus dwyeri) confirmed across three projects</li>
<li>Large Bent-winged Bat (Miniopterus orianae oceanensis) confirmed across two projects</li>
<li>Little Bent-winged Bat (Miniopterus australis) confirmed at one project</li>
<li>Eastern Coastal Free-tailed Bat (Micronomus norfolkensis) confirmed at one project</li>
<li>Squirrel Glider (Petaurus norfolcensis) confirmed at one project</li>
<li>Barking Owl (Ninox connivens) confirmed at one project</li>
</ul>

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Lodge Labs

Engaging with our community is important for our team. Here's how our staff and company were involved in the community this year.

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Our Community

Jade’s Ultra Marathon
In May this year our very own Jade Smith completed her first ultra marathon, the UTA50.
Not only did Jade run a casual 50km, which is a huge achievement in itself, she managed to raise $5,776 for the Difficult Bird Research Group in support of their important research for the Critically Endangered Swift Parrot. We are 
very proud of Jade!
Henry’s Big Bushwalk
In June this year our very own Henry Dowling pledged to bushwalk 147km across the month as a part of Australia’s Biggest Bushwalk.
When Henry wasn’t at work, he was bushwalking and when he wasn’t bushwalking, he was planning his next bushwalk and raising $1,230 for the Australian Conservation Foundation – well done Henry!

Running & Bushwalking

In May this year we hosted our second Lodge Film Night! Our headlining film for the night was Run for Country, a powerful documentary by our environmental not-for-profit partner, For Wild Places.
It was wonderful to bring our community together to watch such an important film that tells the story of communities standing together to protect one of Australia&#8217;s most significant inland forests, the Pilliga.
Lodge Environmental, Paddy Pallin and Pablo and Rusty&#8217;s contributed some fun prizes to be raffled out on the night.
Proceeds were donated to Jade&#8217;s Ultra Marathon Difficult Bird Research Group fundraising. We managed to raise $1,148 through our raffle, with Lodge matching the donation to bring $2,296 to the Difficult Bird Research Group.

Lodge Film Night

Littoral rainforest restoration in our own backyard? Now that&#8217;s something our team finds incredibly exciting! This March, we had the absolute pleasure of visiting Stanwell Avenue Reserve to see what longer term bush restoration looks like.
James from Wild Mag was able to organise a visit with the Banksia Bush Care legend himself, Kieran Tapsell. Situated just behind Stanwell Park beach, Kieran has been helping to manage and restore the area for over 50 years.
What was once Lantana, Asparagus Fern and Cassia is now home to 3,000 rainforest trees, most of which are native to the Illawarra. Not only is the reserve an incredible example of restoration, but it has also become a central part of the Stanwell Community. With giant nests handmade from removed Lantana scattered throughout, it is a place community imagination and engagement can thrive. Kieran, alongside regular volunteers and the occasional backpacker, continue to manage and restore this special pocket of rainforest.

Banksia Bush Care

What started as an enquiry to advertise our services evolved into something much more important – a chance to write about some of our most impactful projects in Australia&#8217;s longest running outdoor adventure magazine.
The opportunity to contribute articles to Wild Magazine is a unique opportunity we&#8217;ve had the chance to do twice this year.
Wild Magazine is an Australian made, Australian printed and Australian owned magazine, with a focus on adventure, conservation and wilderness.
Our director Jack contributed an article showcasing our work surveying Prostanthera discolor and our Ecology Team Lead Max de Beer wrote all about the way technology is shaping nature surveying.

In Print

This year we were very excited to become a certified B Corporation. In order to meet other local B Corp companies and to celebrate 20 years of B Corp, our Ecologist Olivia attended the 20 year celebration event in Sydney.
It was an inspiring night speaking with fellow B Corp companies, hearing the impact B Corp has had in the last two decades and discussing the role it will play in the future of business.
Jack attended 1% for the Planet&#8217;s Sydney Session where he got to meet Kate Williams (CEO of 1% for the Planet), Hilary from For Wild Places and learn about the great work 800 Trust are doing in the bioacoustics space.
Jack also attended Wild Magazine&#8217;s 200th issue celebration night.

Event Attendence

<h2>Breakdown of revenue by project type</h2>
This year saw a 35% increase in revenue from BSA work when compared to 
2024/2025. Our percentage of revenue coming from conservation work is 
growing every year with 34% of our revenue from BSA work in 2025/2026. 
It is an achievement we are hugely proud of.
<div class="is-content-box">
<h3 class="mt-0">Glossary</h3>
BSA: Biodiversity Stewardship Agreements
BDAR: Biodiversity Development Assessment Report
MP: Management Plans
FFA: Flora and Fauna Assessment
FA: BSA Feasibility Assessment
ECO: Ecological Constraints and Opportunities
</div>

Breakdown of revenue by project type 2025/2026

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Giving Back

% breakdown of our 2025/2026 donations

Hours volunteered across the team

Being an environmentally conscious company is not only about how our business operates but how our suppliers operate. We have always been thoughtful of who our are suppliers are, but this year we made an effort to find companies we better align with.
Our director Jack is known for giving great gifts, but he outdid himself this year by partnering with Tasmanian company Waverley Mills to get the team some beautiful wool blankets. Designed and made in Tasmania these blankets are made from new and recycled Australian Wool.
We have a few coffee addicts in the office, so we go through our fair share of coffee beans. Whether you drink it for the taste, the ritual or the caffeine it’s even better when you know the beans are from a company that’s doing their bit for the environment. Pablo &amp; Rusty’s is a Sydney based roastery that’s B Corp, 1% for the Planet, and now Lodge’s coffee supplier.
Other supplier swaps include Ranger for our field shirts and Who Gives a Crap for our tissues and paper towel.

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Rethinking our suppliers

At Lodge, ensuring our team is continuing to grow and share their knowledge in ecology is very important to us.
That is why each team member receives a yearly training budget to learn and upskill in areas they are passionate about.
Our staff are also encouraged to attend and participate in conferences and lectures to share knowledge and form connections with like-minded people.
Here are some of the training and events our team attended this year.

<ul>
<li>Who&#8217;s Calling? : Bat Call Identification (Faunatech)</li>
<li>Advanced Resuscitation and Oxygen Therapy (Outdoor Academy)</li>
<li>Conservation Finance Intensive: Leveraging Climate for Nature Finance (Australian Land Conservation Alliance)</li>
<li>Accounting for Nature Environmental Accounting Course (Accounting for Nature)</li>
<li>Biodiversity Stewardship Agreements Explained Webinar (Lodge Environmental)</li>
<li>Designing and managing resilient frog habitats: from science to practice (NPWS)</li>
<li>The eDNA Bridge: Publishing Aotearoa’s Biodiversity Data to GBIF (Wilderlab)</li>
<li>Wildlife Field Techniques: Animal Handling (UTS)</li>
<li>Eucalypt ID Workshop (Australian Association of Bush Regenerators)</li>
<li>Avoid Minimise Mitigate: Evaluation &amp; Justification of Options (ECA NSW)</li>
<li>Management Masterclass (Dr Kimberley Swords)</li>
</ul>

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Learning and Sharing

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At Lodge, we are a passionate and creative team, always looking for new ways to share our love of ecology and the outdoors.
We love any excuse to make cool things inspired by nature and the amazing things we get to do for work. That’s why we continue to partner with local Wollongong business Soft Power Studio to create fun, science based merch.
This year we got some t-shirts printed with our new Lodge Labs branding to celebrate the launch and some custom Nalgenes printed with rare critters and landscapes of our Wollongong base.
Our annual Threatened Species Bake Off returned and Jade took the win again with her Eastern Australian Underground Orchid (Rhizanthella slateri) cake, we battled it our in an office Table Tennis competition with Tim taking the gold and everyone put in their guesses as to when the local Masked Lapwing eggs would hatch, with Jade claiming a second win for the year.

Team Fun

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[caption id="attachment_758" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="wp-image-758 size-full" src="https://cms.lodgeenviro.com.au/wp-content/uploads/54151343682_1fe30a2a4a_b.jpg" alt="Image of Jack" width="1024" height="692" /> Jack Talbert Director[/caption]

Life as an ecologist is to enact the privilege of the wanderer, distracted by all the sights and sounds leading us meandering through the bush to see what we find. The team has been busier than ever surveying across landscapes earmarked for private land conservation. I have loved every vicarious minute of it, hearing of the adventures on their return.

While we wander through our sites, as a company we have more direction than ever before. This year saw us gain formal recognition as we were able to celebrate becoming a certified B Corp with a very pleasing score of 108.2. The B Corp Certification, combined with being a 1% for the Planet member for the 6th year in a row, has helped continue to transform Lodge.

We are all participating in the future of our environment. From submissions on developing legislation around the role the State government plays in the Biodiversity Offset Scheme, to the development of a Biodiversity Broker role, we take our position seriously. This year we are aiming at increasing our percentage of purely conservation based project types once again.

It is a privilege to be in this industry, aiming to create positives for nature across all our projects, and for all our clients. Bring on more adventures for 2026/27.

You can read Jack's full letter in our report download.

At Lodge, ensuring our team is continuing to grow and share their knowledge in ecology is very important to us.

That is why each team member receives a yearly training budget to learn and upskill in areas they are passionate about.

Our staff are also encouraged to attend and participate in conferences and lectures to share knowledge and form connections with like-minded people.

Here are some of the training and events our team attended this year.

<ul>
 	<li>Who's Calling? : Bat Call Identification (Faunatech)</li>
 	<li>Advanced Resuscitation and Oxygen Therapy (Outdoor Academy)</li>
 	<li>Conservation Finance Intensive: Leveraging Climate for Nature Finance (Australian Land Conservation Alliance)</li>
 	<li>Accounting for Nature Environmental Accounting Course (Accounting for Nature)</li>
 	<li>Biodiversity Stewardship Agreements Explained Webinar (Lodge Environmental)</li>
 	<li>Designing and managing resilient frog habitats: from science to practice (NPWS)</li>
 	<li>The eDNA Bridge: Publishing Aotearoa’s Biodiversity Data to GBIF (Wilderlab)</li>
 	<li>Wildlife Field Techniques: Animal Handling (UTS)</li>
 	<li>Eucalypt ID Workshop (Australian Association of Bush Regenerators)</li>
 	<li>Avoid Minimise Mitigate: Evaluation &amp; Justification of Options (ECA NSW)</li>
 	<li>Management Masterclass (Dr Kimberley Swords)</li>
</ul>

At Lodge, we are a passionate and creative team, always looking for new ways to share our love of ecology and the outdoors.

We love any excuse to make cool things inspired by nature and the amazing things we get to do for work. That’s why we continue to partner with local Wollongong business Soft Power Studio to create fun, science based merch.

This year we got some t-shirts printed with our new Lodge Labs branding to celebrate the launch and some custom Nalgenes printed with rare critters and landscapes of our Wollongong base.

Our annual Threatened Species Bake Off returned and Jade took the win again with her Eastern Australian Underground Orchid (Rhizanthella slateri) cake, we battled it our in an office Table Tennis competition with Tim taking the gold and everyone put in their guesses as to when the local Masked Lapwing eggs would hatch, with Jade claiming a second win for the year.

<div class="title">4,782 ha conserved</div>
<div class="title">$21,366 donated</div>
<div class="title">450 trees planted</div>
<div class="title">34% revenue from BSAs</div>

Through Biodiversity Stewardship Agreements, Conservation Agreements and Vegetation Management Plans we have helped to protect and improve the biodiversity of this land.

Through our 1% for the Planet donations fundraising, and other initiatives we have proudly supported 11 organisations.

Every year our team participates in a planting day to help revegetate Critically Endangered Robertson Rainforest on private property in Kangaloon.

Biodiversity Stewardship Agreements continue to be the company’s largest project-based revenue stream.

Under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974, an area of exceptional natural or cultural value that warrants special protection, including dedicated or specialised management measures, may be declared an Asset of Intergenerational Significance (AIS). Lodge Environmental was engaged to undertake population monitoring surveys for two declared AIS species: Pultenaea aculeata (syn. Pultenaea sp. Olinda) and Baeckea kandos. Amongst the steep pagodas of the Wollemi National Park, you'll find these species growing in shallow, sandy soil. Our monitoring work contributes to broader understanding of how these species respond to fire and what management is needed for these species in the future. This work was completed in partnership with, and funded by, AIS and the Applied Bushfire Science Program.

In the grasslands of Dry Plain, the Sisters Grassy Woodlands will be protected and managed in perpetuity under a Biodiversity Stewardship Agreement (BSA). Across 11 days of vegetation surveys, Lodge Environmental ecologists confirmed critically endangered threatened ecological communities (TECs) Monaro Tableland Cool Temperate Grassy Woodland and Natural Temperate Grassland, 130 ha of Mauve Burr-daisy (Calotis glandulosa) habitat and over 70,000 Hoary Sunray (Leucochrysum albicans subsp. tricolor) individuals. To assist with understanding the unique grassland condition and appropriate management, Lodge ecologists conducted an additional survey with local representatives of Local Land Services and Friends of Grasslands in which over 167 Dodonaea procumbens individuals were recorded.

Just south of Kempsey NSW lies 500 hectares of native forest that has been protected and managed under a BioBank agreement since 2016. With large scribbly gums, an intricate network of streams and plentiful hollows, this site is a haven for threatened species. Through a combination of spotlighting, bioacoustic surveys and baited camera traps, we successfully recorded eight threatened species including Masked Owl (Tyto novaehollandiae), Sooty Owl (Tyto tenebricosa), Grey-headed Flying-fox (Pteropus poliocephalus), Powerful Owl (Ninox strenua), Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus), Brush-tailed Phascogale (Phascogale tapoatafa), Long-nosed Potoroo (Potorous tridactylus) and Little Lorikeet (Parvipsitta pusilla). The prevalence of threatened species within the site demonstrates the importance of private land conservation and management in providing crucial threatened species habitat.

When it comes to impact projects, one of our primary goals is to help improve the outcome for biodiversity. For a recent project, the initial proposed impact extended into 1.6 ha of consolidated bushland characterised by good condition Shoalhaven Lowland Bloodwood Shrub Forest. During the required threatened species surveys, Lodge Environmental confirmed this bushland is home to the endangered Southern Greater Glider (Petauroides volans) among other threatened species such as Powerful Owl (Ninox strenua) and threatened microbats. Following our findings, the impact footprint was reduced by 1.6 ha to retain this important threatened species habitat and will now only impact current disturbed areas.

Positive impact doesn’t only come from the work you do, but how you choose to run your business. That is why we are proud to say that this year was the year we became a certified B Corporation.

B Corp Certification is an integrated business certification that assesses and verifies a company's social, environmental, and governance impact against the rigorous B Lab Standards. Becoming a certified B Corp was not an easy nor a quick process. It required us to reflect on our practices, improve internal procedures and introduce new policies, which, for a small company like ours, is a big investment.

After months of our Director Jack and our Operations Manager Tim working hard in the background, we finally became certified. With an overall B Impact Score of 108.2, we are 28.2 points above the B Corp qualifying score and 57.3 points above the median score for ordinary businesses.

This certification means a lot to us and will motivate and guide us to continue to operate our company in a way that we can be incredibly proud of. We can also now give ourselves the unofficial title of being a B1 company, being a B Corp and a 1% for the Planet member.

One of our core missions is to improve the way humans operate within our biodiverse state. We are always striving to improve outcomes for native flora &amp; fauna by helping to reduce impacts as much as possible. Through our involvement in development projects, this year we have avoided impacts to 4,002.3 ha of native vegetation, including:
<ul>
 	<li>Known Southern Greater Glider (endangered) habitat</li>
 	<li>Glossy Black-Cockatoo (vulnerable) &amp; Yellow-bellied Glider (vulnerable) feed trees</li>
 	<li>4,000 ha of woodland proposed to be cleared for agriculture, to be instead protected under a Voluntary Conservation Agreement</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;

This year marked the launch of Lodge Labs, a bespoke, purpose-built facility and highly skilled team that allows Lodge to deliver cutting-edge passive acoustic monitoring.

Since the launch of Lodge Labs we have analysed over 12,000 hours of acoustic data and 174 survey nights of ultrasonic data. Some key results of this analysis include the following threatened species recorded:
<ul>
 	<li>Powerful Owl (Ninox strenua) confirmed across four projects</li>
 	<li>Southern Myotis (Myotis macropus) confirmed across three projects</li>
 	<li>Large-eared Pied Bat (Chalinolobus dwyeri) confirmed across three projects</li>
 	<li>Large Bent-winged Bat (Miniopterus orianae oceanensis) confirmed across two projects</li>
 	<li>Little Bent-winged Bat (Miniopterus australis) confirmed at one project</li>
 	<li>Eastern Coastal Free-tailed Bat (Micronomus norfolkensis) confirmed at one project</li>
 	<li>Squirrel Glider (Petaurus norfolcensis) confirmed at one project</li>
 	<li>Barking Owl (Ninox connivens) confirmed at one project</li>
</ul>

Jade’s Ultra Marathon
In May this year our very own Jade Smith completed her first ultra marathon, the UTA50.
Not only did Jade run a casual 50km, which is a huge achievement in itself, she managed to raise $5,776 for the Difficult Bird Research Group in support of their important research for the Critically Endangered Swift Parrot. We are
very proud of Jade!
Henry’s Big Bushwalk
In June this year our very own Henry Dowling pledged to bushwalk 147km across the month as a part of Australia’s Biggest Bushwalk.
When Henry wasn’t at work, he was bushwalking and when he wasn’t bushwalking, he was planning his next bushwalk and raising $1,230 for the Australian Conservation Foundation – well done Henry!

In May this year we hosted our second Lodge Film Night! Our headlining film for the night was Run for Country, a powerful documentary by our environmental not-for-profit partner, For Wild Places.

It was wonderful to bring our community together to watch such an important film that tells the story of communities standing together to protect one of Australia's most significant inland forests, the Pilliga.

Lodge Environmental, Paddy Pallin and Pablo and Rusty's contributed some fun prizes to be raffled out on the night.

Proceeds were donated to Jade's Ultra Marathon Difficult Bird Research Group fundraising. We managed to raise $1,148 through our raffle, with Lodge matching the donation to bring $2,296 to the Difficult Bird Research Group.

Littoral rainforest restoration in our own backyard? Now that's something our team finds incredibly exciting! This March, we had the absolute pleasure of visiting Stanwell Avenue Reserve to see what longer term bush restoration looks like.

James from Wild Mag was able to organise a visit with the Banksia Bush Care legend himself, Kieran Tapsell. Situated just behind Stanwell Park beach, Kieran has been helping to manage and restore the area for over 50 years.

What was once Lantana, Asparagus Fern and Cassia is now home to 3,000 rainforest trees, most of which are native to the Illawarra. Not only is the reserve an incredible example of restoration, but it has also become a central part of the Stanwell Community. With giant nests handmade from removed Lantana scattered throughout, it is a place community imagination and engagement can thrive. Kieran, alongside regular volunteers and the occasional backpacker, continue to manage and restore this special pocket of rainforest.

What started as an enquiry to advertise our services evolved into something much more important – a chance to write about some of our most impactful projects in Australia's longest running outdoor adventure magazine.

The opportunity to contribute articles to Wild Magazine is a unique opportunity we've had the chance to do twice this year.

Wild Magazine is an Australian made, Australian printed and Australian owned magazine, with a focus on adventure, conservation and wilderness.

Our director Jack contributed an article showcasing our work surveying Prostanthera discolor and our Ecology Team Lead Max de Beer wrote all about the way technology is shaping nature surveying.

This year we were very excited to become a certified B Corporation. In order to meet other local B Corp companies and to celebrate 20 years of B Corp, our Ecologist Olivia attended the 20 year celebration event in Sydney.

It was an inspiring night speaking with fellow B Corp companies, hearing the impact B Corp has had in the last two decades and discussing the role it will play in the future of business.

Jack attended 1% for the Planet's Sydney Session where he got to meet Kate Williams (CEO of 1% for the Planet), Hilary from For Wild Places and learn about the great work 800 Trust are doing in the bioacoustics space.

Jack also attended Wild Magazine's 200th issue celebration night.

<h2>Breakdown of revenue by project type</h2>
This year saw a 35% increase in revenue from BSA work when compared to
2024/2025. Our percentage of revenue coming from conservation work is
growing every year with 34% of our revenue from BSA work in 2025/2026.
It is an achievement we are hugely proud of.
<div class="is-content-box">
<h3 class="mt-0">Glossary</h3>
BSA: Biodiversity Stewardship Agreements

BDAR: Biodiversity Development Assessment Report

MP: Management Plans

FFA: Flora and Fauna Assessment

FA: BSA Feasibility Assessment

ECO: Ecological Constraints and Opportunities

</div>

Being an environmentally conscious company is not only about how our business operates but how our suppliers operate. We have always been thoughtful of who our are suppliers are, but this year we made an effort to find companies we better align with.
Our director Jack is known for giving great gifts, but he outdid himself this year by partnering with Tasmanian company Waverley Mills to get the team some beautiful wool blankets. Designed and made in Tasmania these blankets are made from new and recycled Australian Wool.
We have a few coffee addicts in the office, so we go through our fair share of coffee beans. Whether you drink it for the taste, the ritual or the caffeine it’s even better when you know the beans are from a company that’s doing their bit for the environment. Pablo &amp; Rusty’s is a Sydney based roastery that’s B Corp, 1% for the Planet, and now Lodge’s coffee supplier.
Other supplier swaps include Ranger for our field shirts and Who Gives a Crap for our tissues and paper towel.

Life as an ecologist is to enact the privilege of the wanderer, distracted by all the sights and sounds leading us meandering through the bush to see what we find. This year the team has been busier than ever surveying across landscapes earmarked for private land conservation.

Impact Report 2026 - Lodge Environmental

https://cms.lodgeenviro.com.au/wp-content/uploads/55041229482_f81cd05c63_b.jpg

Impact Report 2026

<figure id="attachment_542" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-542" style="width: 1024px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-542 size-full" src="https://cms.lodgeenviro.com.au/wp-content/uploads/54108775574_8bd3681541_b-1.jpg" alt="Image of Jack Talbert" width="1024" height="679" srcset="https://cms.lodgeenviro.com.au/wp-content/uploads/54108775574_8bd3681541_b-1.jpg 1024w, https://cms.lodgeenviro.com.au/wp-content/uploads/54108775574_8bd3681541_b-1-300x199.jpg 300w, https://cms.lodgeenviro.com.au/wp-content/uploads/54108775574_8bd3681541_b-1-768x509.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-542" class="wp-caption-text">Jack Talbert Director</figcaption></figure>

<h2>A word from our Director</h2>
Picture the sunlight piercing the rainforest canopy, gently lighting the forest floor below, the sound of a river spilling over the sandstone, the feeling of a fresh morning breeze… It sounds like a meditation voiceover – in actual fact it’s a snapshot of some of the days we call work, and the places we work to protect.
This year the team has covered more ground than any year prior – continuing to contribute towards land protected under conservation agreements, reduce project impacts, and implement novel survey solutions and mitigation measures.
I am deeply grateful that we are able to do such purpose driven work, even more so with the group of people that work at Lodge. Together, we are a small but mighty force, creating a legacy across our projects that we can be proud of.
Looking ahead, I am excited for the positive impact we’ll continue to make across our projects, with our team and with our clients, not to mention numerous big-ticket announcements to come in the 25/26 financial year. Stay tuned.

<div class="title">798 ha conserved</div>
<div class="title">$15,877 donated</div>
<div class="title">400 trees planted</div>
<div class="title">30% revenue from BSAs</div>

Through Biodiversity Stewardship Agreements and Vegetation Management Plans, we have helped to conserve, protect, and improve the biodiversity of this land.
Through our 1% for the Planet donations and other fundraising, we have proudly supported <a href="https://ger.org.au" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Great Eastern Ranges</a> &amp; <a href="https://seatrees.org/?srsltid=AfmBOoopoVKvzsgnfrzsy5IF4G9I5XnksQerAwsdn0CdDzxO2XDTaVg4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Seatrees</a>.
Every year, our team participates in a planting day to help revegetate Critically Endangered Robertson Rainforest on private property in Kangaloon.
Biodiversity Stewardship Agreements are now the company’s largest project-based revenue stream.

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54152267233_8604ccefd5_b

This year was full of positive & adventurous projects

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In the heart of Kangaloon lies a property with patches of Critically Endangered Robertson Rainforest amongst the cleared agricultural land. The landholder’s dream is to revegetate this picturesque property and restore it to natural rainforest. Lodge was initially engaged to assist in writing the revegetation plan, but since then we have volunteered one day per year to help <a href="https://plantlife.net.au" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">Plant Life</a> get some plants in the ground.
The last three years have seen our team plant around 1,000 Acacia melanoxylon, which is a key species for this vegetation community. Our plantings are buffering and connecting remnant patches, starting the process of returning the land back to rainforest.

Revegetating Robertson Rainforest

Deep in the gullies of the Wollemi National Park exists old records of a rare mint bush Prostanthera discolor. With only one other known population, NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) sent the Lodge team on an important mission &#8211; to search for these 1988 records. Over three days, the team hiked through the rugged terrain of the Wollemi, searching the locations of the 1988 records and similar adjacent areas, yet the P. discolor was nowhere to be seen. It is likely that 2019/2020 catastrophic bushfires destroyed these small populations, illustrating the devastating impact these fires can have on threatened species. Whilst it wasn’t the outcome we were looking for, the discovery of no P. discolor is hugely important for its ongoing conservation efforts. You can read more about our adventure and watch our film <a href="https://lodgeenviro.com.au/films/the-prostanthera-trail-the-search-for-australias-rarest-mintbush" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">here</a>.

The Prostanthera Trail

Alongside <a class="a_GcMg" draggable="false" href="https://www.canva.com/link?target=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.heidelbergmaterials.com.au%2Fen&amp;design=DAGxPR2T7GQ&amp;accessRole=viewer&amp;linkSource=document" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">Heidelberg Materials Australia</a>, Lodge Environmental Ecologists worked to relocate the Eastern Osprey nest from its spectacular location overlooking the Tasman Sea on a condemned gravel loader to a purpose-built nest platform directly adjacent.
In order to minimise disruption to the Ospreys, relocation had to occur within careful timing to ensure it was well outside of the breeding period. The Ospreys even decided to breed a little earlier last year meaning the relocation had to wait another year.
Finally, following careful checks the nest was relocated to its new platform. Just a month later the new nest platform was confirmed to be Osprey approved, with the Osprey spotted in the new nest.

Osprey Nest Relocation

<div lang="en">
The Red-lored Whistler is a critically endangered bird in NSW, with Nombinnie and Round Hill Nature Reserves in central NSW being their last stronghold.
Lodge Environmental has been assisting DCCEEW in the monitoring of this species since 2023, with surveys occurring annually. Data collected during this monitoring is helping to fill knowledge gaps on this species’ local distribution, potential habitat preference and how this may be influenced by fire.
It is important work, and we couldn’t be happier to be involved in the monitoring of one of NSW’s most at-risk birds.
</div>

Red-lored Whistler Surveys

One of our missions is to improve the way humans operate within our environment. Where impacts to native flora and fauna occur, our role is to reduce them as much as possible. Through our involvement in development projects this year, we have avoided impacts to 59,000 m² of native vegetation, including:
<ul>
<li>376 Ziera granulata individuals (endangered)</li>
<li>Yellow-bellied Glider feed trees (vulnerable)</li>
<li>Melaleuca biconvexa individuals (vulnerable)</li>
<li>Themeda grassland on seacliffs and coastal headlands (endangered ecological community)</li>
</ul>

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Hollow-bearing trees are incredibly important for our native fauna, in NSW at least <a class="a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-underline text-strikethrough-none" draggable="false" href="https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/topics/animals-and-plants/threatened-species/saving-our-species-program/resources/home-where-hollow" target="_blank" rel="noopener">174 animal species</a> rely on tree hollows.
When impacts to these habitat features cannot be avoided, installing replacement habitat is a crucial mitigation measure.
This year, our trained tree-climbing ecologists installed 67 carved hollows.
Where appropriate, we prefer the use of carved hollows as opposed to traditional nest boxes. Our climbing team is trained in using the Hollow-Hog tool to carve custom artificial hollows. You can watch our hollow carving video <a class="a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-underline text-strikethrough-none" draggable="false" href="https://lodgeenviro.com.au/films/seatrees-partners-with-university-scientists-and-technology-leader-samsung-to-support-coral-reef-restoration" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a> to learn more.

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Creating Habitat

Engaging with our community is important for our team. Our staff receive one volunteer day per year to participate in community events. Here’s how our staff and company were involved in the community this year.

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Our community

This year we hosted our very first community film night right next to our Wollongong office, at UOW Innovation Campus.
This free event showcased nature and adventure films from <a class="a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-underline text-strikethrough-none" draggable="false" href="https://mont.equipment" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mont Adventure Equipment</a>, <a class="a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-underline text-strikethrough-none" draggable="false" href="https://kirlisaunders.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kirli Saunders</a>, <a class="a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-underline text-strikethrough-none" draggable="false" href="https://seatrees.org/?srsltid=AfmBOoopoVKvzsgnfrzsy5IF4G9I5XnksQerAwsdn0CdDzxO2XDTaVg4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Seatrees</a>, Lodge Environmental &amp; <a class="a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-underline text-strikethrough-none" draggable="false" href="https://fennerschool.anu.edu.au/people/ana-gracanin" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ana Gracanin</a>.
Mont Adventure Equipment &amp; Lodge Environmental contributed some merch and equipment to be raffled out on the night.
Proceeds from the raffle were donated to Seatrees, with our $790 donation equating to 200 square feet of restored kelp forest along the South Bondi subtidal rocky reef in Sydney.
It was a fantastic event to connect with our community, showcase local talent and contribute to a great cause.

The Deadly in Generation STEM program is facilitated through CSIRO and aims to increase engagement and retention of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in STEM educational pathways.
Lodge Environmental were invited to assist with the <a class="a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-underline text-strikethrough-none" draggable="false" href="https://www.csiro.au/en/education/About-CSIRO-Education/Stories-and-Announcements/Education-Story-Listing/Deadly-STEM-Camp-2024" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Deadly in Generation STEM Illawarra camp</a> last November, to help show young people what a career in STEM can look like.
Our ecologists Max and Olivia joined the group for a fun activity surrounding data collection and analysis at Bellambi Beach Rockpools.
It was a great afternoon playing marine bingo, seeing who could find the most interesting species and earn the most points.

Deadly in STEM

BioBlitz at Croom was a fantastic free event organised by <a class="a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-underline text-strikethrough-none" draggable="false" href="https://www.eventbrite.com.au/o/sustainable-shellharbour-90583314473?_gl=1*ss3qom*_up*MQ..*_ga*MTgxODUwNzIxNy4xNzU2MzAzMTAz*_ga_TQVES5V6SH*czE3NTYzMDMxMDIkbzEkZzEkdDE3NTYzMDMxODIkajYwJGwwJGgw" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sustainable Shellharbour</a>, <a class="a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-underline text-strikethrough-none" draggable="false" href="https://www.shellharbour.nsw.gov.au" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shellharbour City Council</a>, <a class="a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-underline text-strikethrough-none" draggable="false" href="https://www.uow.edu.au" target="_blank" rel="noopener">University of Wollongong</a> and <a class="a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-underline text-strikethrough-none" draggable="false" href="https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/dcceew" target="_blank" rel="noopener">DCCEEW</a>.
Lodge ecologists Max and Will volunteered over two days to assist citizen scientists with recording the amazing biodiversity within the Croom Reserve.
On day one in the threatened Illawarra Lowlands Grassy Woodland, we observed several bird, reptile and amphibian species and were able to establish two reference plots to monitor the woodlands health into the future.
On day two the kids&#8217; sharp eyes helped us find insects and several Eastern Dwarf Tree Frogs.
Excitingly we also found the seed head of an endangered Illawarra Greenhood Orchid, an exciting discovery!

BioBlitz at Croom

Through the CSIRO’s Generation STEM Links program, Lodge Environmental was able to offer an internship program over the 2024/2025 summer.
The program allowed us to offer one position to a student in their penultimate year of their biology degree. Being a small consultancy, we were able to provide our intern with hands-on experience in all facets of Ecological Consulting.
Our intern assisted the team in completing field surveys, reporting, flora and fauna identification, GIS mapping and data collection.
This 200-hour internship was a great opportunity for both our intern and our team, and it is a program we will continue to participate in, in the future.

CSIRO Internship

<h2>Breakdown of revenue by project type</h2>
This year saw a 58% increase in revenue from BSA work when compared to 
2023/2024. To have 40% of our revenue come from conservation work is an 
achievement we are hugely proud of. Our goal is that our proportion of 
conservation work will continue to grow.
<div class="is-content-box">
<h3 class="mt-0">Glossary</h3>
BSA: Biodiversity Stewardship Agreements
BDAR: Biodiversity Development Assessment Report
REF: Review of Environmental Factors
MP: Management Plan
VMP: Vegetation Management Plan
BMP: Bushland Management Plan
FFA: Flora and Fauna Assessment
FA: BSA Feasibility Assessment
ECO: Ecological Constraints and Opportunities
</div>

Breakdown of revenue by project type

Lodge Environmental is committed to giving back, supporting local communities, conservation initiatives, and environmental stewardship projects to help protect nature for future generations.

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% breakdown of our 2024/2025 donations

<div>
After a busy 2023/2024 year, the team was in need of some rest and relaxation. Of course, the perfect way to unwind as an ecologist is some time offline and in the bush &#8211; with no work and no distractions.
This year Lodge partnered with <a href="https://www.unyoked.co/">Unyoked</a> to prescribe each team member some well-earned time in the wilderness. We were each prescribed 2 nights in an Unyoked cabin to help our busy minds reconnect with nature.
Days were spent making coffee, counting birds and not knowing what time it was. Absolute bliss.
</div>

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Out of Office

&nbsp;
&nbsp;
At Lodge, ensuring our team is continuing to grow and share their knowledge in ecology is very important to us.
That is why each team member receives a yearly training budget to learn and upskill in areas they are passionate about.
Our staff are also encouraged to attend and participate in conferences and lectures to share knowledge and form connections with like-minded people.
Here are some of the training and events our team attended this year.

<ul class="!mt-0">
<li>National Biodiversity Offsets Conference (EIANZ)</li>
<li>Advanced Plant Identification Course (UNSW)</li>
<li>Ecological Monitoring Module Training Day (BCT)</li>
<li>Bat Call Analysis Workshop (Titley)</li>
<li>Environmental Law Guest Lecture (UOW)</li>
<li>Wildlife Field Techniques: Animal Handling (UTS)</li>
<li>SXSW Sydney</li>
<li>1% for the Planet Global Summit</li>
<li>QGIS Masterclasses (AP Spatial)</li>
<li>Operate and Recover 4WD (Risk Response &amp; Rescue)</li>
<li>Remote Advanced First Aid (Outdoor Academy)</li>
<li>Sydney Leadership Workshop (EIANZ)</li>
</ul>

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Limited Edition Nuggan T-Shirts

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Bake off winner Jade - Orange-bellied Parrot 

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Lodge Runners - Jack, Henry, Annabelle & Jade

At Lodge, we are a passionate and creative team, always looking for new ways to share our love of ecology and the outdoors.
Every year we host an internal Threatened Species Bake Off. It&#8217;s a great excuse to learn more about threatened species, take a cake break, and share the fun with our community.
This year we also partnered with local business <a href="https://www.softpowerstudio.com.au" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Soft Power Studio</a> to design and print T-shirts showcasing a beautiful BSA we worked on in Bawley Point. For every tee sold, 40% of the sales were donated to Great Eastern Ranges. It was a great way to celebrate conservation whilst continuing to contribute to a great cause.
In June, the Lodge Team joined the <a href="https://www.wollongongrunningfestival.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Wollongong Running Festival</a>, because what better way is there to celebrate the start of winter than running 10km? It was a great opportunity for the team to motivate each other, spend more time outdoors, and get some cool custom caps made.

field_68f6c11c397f4

[caption id="attachment_542" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="wp-image-542 size-full" src="https://cms.lodgeenviro.com.au/wp-content/uploads/54108775574_8bd3681541_b-1.jpg" alt="Image of Jack Talbert" width="1024" height="679" /> Jack Talbert Director[/caption]

<h2>A word from our Director</h2>
Picture the sunlight piercing the rainforest canopy, gently lighting the forest floor below, the sound of a river spilling over the sandstone, the feeling of a fresh morning breeze… It sounds like a meditation voiceover – in actual fact it’s a snapshot of some of the days we call work, and the places we work to protect.

This year the team has covered more ground than any year prior – continuing to contribute towards land protected under conservation agreements, reduce project impacts, and implement novel survey solutions and mitigation measures.

I am deeply grateful that we are able to do such purpose driven work, even more so with the group of people that work at Lodge. Together, we are a small but mighty force, creating a legacy across our projects that we can be proud of.

Looking ahead, I am excited for the positive impact we’ll continue to make across our projects, with our team and with our clients, not to mention numerous big-ticket announcements to come in the 25/26 financial year. Stay tuned.

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First slide

At Lodge, we are a passionate and creative team, always looking for new ways to share our love of ecology and the outdoors.

Every year we host an internal Threatened Species Bake Off. It's a great excuse to learn more about threatened species, take a cake break, and share the fun with our community.

This year we also partnered with local business <a href="https://www.softpowerstudio.com.au" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Soft Power Studio</a> to design and print T-shirts showcasing a beautiful BSA we worked on in Bawley Point. For every tee sold, 40% of the sales were donated to Great Eastern Ranges. It was a great way to celebrate conservation whilst continuing to contribute to a great cause.

In June, the Lodge Team joined the <a href="https://www.wollongongrunningfestival.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Wollongong Running Festival</a>, because what better way is there to celebrate the start of winter than running 10km? It was a great opportunity for the team to motivate each other, spend more time outdoors, and get some cool custom caps made.

<div class="title">798 ha conserved</div>
<div class="title">$15,877 donated</div>
<div class="title">400 trees planted</div>
<div class="title">30% revenue from BSAs</div>

Through Biodiversity Stewardship Agreements and Vegetation Management Plans, we have helped to conserve, protect, and improve the biodiversity of this land.

Through our 1% for the Planet donations and other fundraising, we have proudly supported <a href="https://ger.org.au" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Great Eastern Ranges</a> &amp; <a href="https://seatrees.org/?srsltid=AfmBOoopoVKvzsgnfrzsy5IF4G9I5XnksQerAwsdn0CdDzxO2XDTaVg4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Seatrees</a>.

Every year, our team participates in a planting day to help revegetate Critically Endangered Robertson Rainforest on private property in Kangaloon.

Biodiversity Stewardship Agreements are now the company’s largest project-based revenue stream.

In the heart of Kangaloon lies a property with patches of Critically Endangered Robertson Rainforest amongst the cleared agricultural land. The landholder’s dream is to revegetate this picturesque property and restore it to natural rainforest. Lodge was initially engaged to assist in writing the revegetation plan, but since then we have volunteered one day per year to help <a href="https://plantlife.net.au" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">Plant Life</a> get some plants in the ground.

The last three years have seen our team plant around 1,000 Acacia melanoxylon, which is a key species for this vegetation community. Our plantings are buffering and connecting remnant patches, starting the process of returning the land back to rainforest.

Deep in the gullies of the Wollemi National Park exists old records of a rare mint bush Prostanthera discolor. With only one other known population, NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) sent the Lodge team on an important mission - to search for these 1988 records. Over three days, the team hiked through the rugged terrain of the Wollemi, searching the locations of the 1988 records and similar adjacent areas, yet the P. discolor was nowhere to be seen. It is likely that 2019/2020 catastrophic bushfires destroyed these small populations, illustrating the devastating impact these fires can have on threatened species. Whilst it wasn’t the outcome we were looking for, the discovery of no P. discolor is hugely important for its ongoing conservation efforts. You can read more about our adventure and watch our film <a href="https://lodgeenviro.com.au/films/the-prostanthera-trail-the-search-for-australias-rarest-mintbush" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">here</a>.

Alongside <a class="a_GcMg" draggable="false" href="https://www.canva.com/link?target=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.heidelbergmaterials.com.au%2Fen&amp;design=DAGxPR2T7GQ&amp;accessRole=viewer&amp;linkSource=document" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">Heidelberg Materials Australia</a>, Lodge Environmental Ecologists worked to relocate the Eastern Osprey nest from its spectacular location overlooking the Tasman Sea on a condemned gravel loader to a purpose-built nest platform directly adjacent.
In order to minimise disruption to the Ospreys, relocation had to occur within careful timing to ensure it was well outside of the breeding period. The Ospreys even decided to breed a little earlier last year meaning the relocation had to wait another year.
Finally, following careful checks the nest was relocated to its new platform. Just a month later the new nest platform was confirmed to be Osprey approved, with the Osprey spotted in the new nest.

<div lang="en">

The Red-lored Whistler is a critically endangered bird in NSW, with Nombinnie and Round Hill Nature Reserves in central NSW being their last stronghold.

Lodge Environmental has been assisting DCCEEW in the monitoring of this species since 2023, with surveys occurring annually. Data collected during this monitoring is helping to fill knowledge gaps on this species’ local distribution, potential habitat preference and how this may be influenced by fire.

It is important work, and we couldn’t be happier to be involved in the monitoring of one of NSW’s most at-risk birds.

</div>

One of our missions is to improve the way humans operate within our environment. Where impacts to native flora and fauna occur, our role is to reduce them as much as possible. Through our involvement in development projects this year, we have avoided impacts to 59,000 m² of native vegetation, including:
<ul>
 	<li>376 Ziera granulata individuals (endangered)</li>
 	<li>Yellow-bellied Glider feed trees (vulnerable)</li>
 	<li>Melaleuca biconvexa individuals (vulnerable)</li>
 	<li>Themeda grassland on seacliffs and coastal headlands (endangered ecological community)</li>
</ul>

Hollow-bearing trees are incredibly important for our native fauna, in NSW at least <a class="a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-underline text-strikethrough-none" draggable="false" href="https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/topics/animals-and-plants/threatened-species/saving-our-species-program/resources/home-where-hollow" target="_blank" rel="noopener">174 animal species</a> rely on tree hollows.
When impacts to these habitat features cannot be avoided, installing replacement habitat is a crucial mitigation measure.
This year, our trained tree-climbing ecologists installed 67 carved hollows.
Where appropriate, we prefer the use of carved hollows as opposed to traditional nest boxes. Our climbing team is trained in using the Hollow-Hog tool to carve custom artificial hollows. You can watch our hollow carving video <a class="a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-underline text-strikethrough-none" draggable="false" href="https://lodgeenviro.com.au/films/seatrees-partners-with-university-scientists-and-technology-leader-samsung-to-support-coral-reef-restoration" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a> to learn more.

This year we hosted our very first community film night right next to our Wollongong office, at UOW Innovation Campus.
This free event showcased nature and adventure films from <a class="a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-underline text-strikethrough-none" draggable="false" href="https://mont.equipment" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mont Adventure Equipment</a>, <a class="a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-underline text-strikethrough-none" draggable="false" href="https://kirlisaunders.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kirli Saunders</a>, <a class="a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-underline text-strikethrough-none" draggable="false" href="https://seatrees.org/?srsltid=AfmBOoopoVKvzsgnfrzsy5IF4G9I5XnksQerAwsdn0CdDzxO2XDTaVg4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Seatrees</a>, Lodge Environmental &amp; <a class="a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-underline text-strikethrough-none" draggable="false" href="https://fennerschool.anu.edu.au/people/ana-gracanin" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ana Gracanin</a>.
Mont Adventure Equipment &amp; Lodge Environmental contributed some merch and equipment to be raffled out on the night.
Proceeds from the raffle were donated to Seatrees, with our $790 donation equating to 200 square feet of restored kelp forest along the South Bondi subtidal rocky reef in Sydney.
It was a fantastic event to connect with our community, showcase local talent and contribute to a great cause.

The Deadly in Generation STEM program is facilitated through CSIRO and aims to increase engagement and retention of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in STEM educational pathways.
Lodge Environmental were invited to assist with the <a class="a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-underline text-strikethrough-none" draggable="false" href="https://www.csiro.au/en/education/About-CSIRO-Education/Stories-and-Announcements/Education-Story-Listing/Deadly-STEM-Camp-2024" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Deadly in Generation STEM Illawarra camp</a> last November, to help show young people what a career in STEM can look like.
Our ecologists Max and Olivia joined the group for a fun activity surrounding data collection and analysis at Bellambi Beach Rockpools.
It was a great afternoon playing marine bingo, seeing who could find the most interesting species and earn the most points.

BioBlitz at Croom was a fantastic free event organised by <a class="a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-underline text-strikethrough-none" draggable="false" href="https://www.eventbrite.com.au/o/sustainable-shellharbour-90583314473?_gl=1*ss3qom*_up*MQ..*_ga*MTgxODUwNzIxNy4xNzU2MzAzMTAz*_ga_TQVES5V6SH*czE3NTYzMDMxMDIkbzEkZzEkdDE3NTYzMDMxODIkajYwJGwwJGgw" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sustainable Shellharbour</a>, <a class="a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-underline text-strikethrough-none" draggable="false" href="https://www.shellharbour.nsw.gov.au" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shellharbour City Council</a>, <a class="a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-underline text-strikethrough-none" draggable="false" href="https://www.uow.edu.au" target="_blank" rel="noopener">University of Wollongong</a> and <a class="a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-underline text-strikethrough-none" draggable="false" href="https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/dcceew" target="_blank" rel="noopener">DCCEEW</a>.
Lodge ecologists Max and Will volunteered over two days to assist citizen scientists with recording the amazing biodiversity within the Croom Reserve.
On day one in the threatened Illawarra Lowlands Grassy Woodland, we observed several bird, reptile and amphibian species and were able to establish two reference plots to monitor the woodlands health into the future.
On day two the kids' sharp eyes helped us find insects and several Eastern Dwarf Tree Frogs.
Excitingly we also found the seed head of an endangered Illawarra Greenhood Orchid, an exciting discovery!

Through the CSIRO’s Generation STEM Links program, Lodge Environmental was able to offer an internship program over the 2024/2025 summer.
The program allowed us to offer one position to a student in their penultimate year of their biology degree. Being a small consultancy, we were able to provide our intern with hands-on experience in all facets of Ecological Consulting.
Our intern assisted the team in completing field surveys, reporting, flora and fauna identification, GIS mapping and data collection.
This 200-hour internship was a great opportunity for both our intern and our team, and it is a program we will continue to participate in, in the future.

<h2>Breakdown of revenue by project type</h2>
This year saw a 58% increase in revenue from BSA work when compared to
2023/2024. To have 40% of our revenue come from conservation work is an
achievement we are hugely proud of. Our goal is that our proportion of
conservation work will continue to grow.
<div class="is-content-box">
<h3 class="mt-0">Glossary</h3>
BSA: Biodiversity Stewardship Agreements

BDAR: Biodiversity Development Assessment Report

REF: Review of Environmental Factors

MP: Management Plan

VMP: Vegetation Management Plan

BMP: Bushland Management Plan

FFA: Flora and Fauna Assessment

FA: BSA Feasibility Assessment

ECO: Ecological Constraints and Opportunities

</div>

<div>

After a busy 2023/2024 year, the team was in need of some rest and relaxation. Of course, the perfect way to unwind as an ecologist is some time offline and in the bush - with no work and no distractions.

This year Lodge partnered with <a href="https://www.unyoked.co/">Unyoked</a> to prescribe each team member some well-earned time in the wilderness. We were each prescribed 2 nights in an Unyoked cabin to help our busy minds reconnect with nature.

Days were spent making coffee, counting birds and not knowing what time it was. Absolute bliss.

</div>

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

At Lodge, ensuring our team is continuing to grow and share their knowledge in ecology is very important to us.

That is why each team member receives a yearly training budget to learn and upskill in areas they are passionate about.

Our staff are also encouraged to attend and participate in conferences and lectures to share knowledge and form connections with like-minded people.

Here are some of the training and events our team attended this year.

<ul class="!mt-0">
 	<li>National Biodiversity Offsets Conference (EIANZ)</li>
 	<li>Advanced Plant Identification Course (UNSW)</li>
 	<li>Ecological Monitoring Module Training Day (BCT)</li>
 	<li>Bat Call Analysis Workshop (Titley)</li>
 	<li>Environmental Law Guest Lecture (UOW)</li>
 	<li>Wildlife Field Techniques: Animal Handling (UTS)</li>
 	<li>SXSW Sydney</li>
 	<li>1% for the Planet Global Summit</li>
 	<li>QGIS Masterclasses (AP Spatial)</li>
 	<li>Operate and Recover 4WD (Risk Response &amp; Rescue)</li>
 	<li>Remote Advanced First Aid (Outdoor Academy)</li>
 	<li>Sydney Leadership Workshop (EIANZ)</li>
</ul>

Annual Reports

Impact Report 2026

Impact Report 2025

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Lodge Environmental is a nature positive environmental consultancy creating a natural legacy