Willoughby students explore migration in 2025 Wildlife Storybook

Willoughby City Council

Willoughby City Council has officially launched the 2025 Wildlife Storybook, a vibrant collection of stories, poems and artwork created by local Year 5 students. Hundreds of students from all 11 local primary schools took part, researching local wildlife, learning about native species and exploring the challenges they face. A selection of students from each school had their work published in the 2025 printed edition.
 
The Willoughby Wildlife Storybook Series is an annual Council-led educational project that brings together writing and artwork from local students, celebrating the wildlife and natural habitats of our area.
 
This year’s theme, ‘Animal Migration’, highlights the incredible journeys animals make in search of food, safety and better conditions. Students explored local species, investigated the challenges they face in a changing environment, and then transformed their discoveries into imaginative short stories and illustrations.
 
Among this year’s featured species are the Bogong Moth, which travels over 1,000 kilometres to the alpine regions; the Sea Mullet, which races downstream to the ocean each year in the famous mullet run; the Channel-billed Cuckoo, a loud and striking visitor from New Guinea; and the Green Sea Turtle, an ocean wanderer known for returning to its birthplace to nest.
 
Mayor Tanya Taylor said the storybook has become a much-loved tradition in the Willoughby community.
 
“This project celebrates not only our wildlife but also the creativity and environmental awareness of our young people,” she said. “It’s inspiring to see how deeply our students connect with nature and how they share those stories with others.
 
The students have brought scientific understanding and creativity together beautifully. In learning how some animals travel, they also discovered how our local bushland, gardens and waterways can play an important role in those journeys.”
 
This year’s launch also highlights how the program can spark a lifelong connection with nature. Catherine Ho, a local resident whose poem about the Spiny Leaf Insect was included in the 2013 Wildlife Storybook, is still a passionate nature lover and actively volunteers with a local bushcare group. Her experience shows how engaging with wildlife at a young age can inspire a lasting appreciation for wildlife and nature.
The Wildlife Storybook Project is part of Willoughby City Council’s environmental education program, which includes guided bushwalks, talks and workshops to help nurture connections between local communities and the natural environment.
 
The 2025 edition of The Wildlife Storybook is now available for purchase at Chatswood Library, can be borrowed from all branches of Willoughby City Council Libraries or downloaded as a digital version at https://www.willoughby.nsw.gov.au//Wildlife-Storybook

Media at Willoughby City Council

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