Resilient Landscapes Project
Our Resilient Landscapes Project is trialling Western Australian native species for their resilience and suitability for Rio Tinto Naturescape Kings Park, home gardens and open spaces.
As Western Australian native plants face growing environmental challenges from our changing climate, it is critical that we look towards more resilient plants for Perth gardens and beyond.
Resilient plants have a reduced reliance on water and fertilisers, are adaptable to different soil and climate regions, and provide habitat for native fauna. Socially resilient plants can also deal with high levels of human traffic and interaction, making them suitable for public urban spaces.
The six-year Resilient Landscapes Project, supported by Rio Tinto, will track the growth and development of multiple species planted in the Naturescape site. Unlike plants located in Kings Park’s cultivated garden beds, parkland areas, or the Western Australian Botanic Garden, plants in Naturescape are provided with limited water and soil amendments. They are also less maintained in regards to pruning and fertiliser application.
As a nature play space, Naturescape receives heavy foot traffic and high volumes of attention from children’s activities, and species in this area also have to withstand these human conditions.
By tracking species performance across multiple years, we are building a body of data around what kinds of species can tolerate these challenging conditions.
The project aims not only to boost the biodiversity and ecological resilience within Rio Tinto Naturescape Kings Park, but to improve education of environmental threats and how the use of climate resilient plants can improve our neighbourhoods, working environments and resource sites. Outcomes from the project will be used to advocate for the development and use of resilient plants in the horticultural and landscape design industries and resource development and operating areas.
This advancement of research into native plant resilience and restoration will strengthen resilient horticulture skills across the sector, educate the next generation of environmental custodians and supporting ongoing conservation efforts for our precious Western Australian flora.
The Resilient Landscapes Project offers opportunities for volunteer engagement, with volunteering outcomes centred on increased horticultural capabilities, improved sense of wellbeing, improved connection to and appreciation of nature, and an increased awareness of the value of resilient landscapes. More information on workshops, events and volunteer opportunities will be available in 2026.