Can I collect firewood from Council roads or reserves?

During colder months, it can be tempting to collect fallen timber or dead trees from roadsides or Council reserves for firewood. However, this is not permitted and penalties do apply.

What does Council allow?

Adelaide Hills Council does not allow the removal of:

• Fallen limbs or logs
• Standing dead trees
• Any other timber from roadsides, reserves, or parks

Anyone caught removing or altering trees in these areas may face enforcement action.

Why?

While it might look like cleaning up, removing timber has serious impacts on our environment:

• Habitat for wildlife: Many native animals, including birds, bats, possums, echidnas, reptiles, bush rats, bandicoots and insects rely on fallen logs and hollow trees for shelter and food.

• Soil health: Fallen timber breaks down naturally, enriching the soil and supporting biodiversity.

Every log and hollow tree plays a role in keeping our local environment healthy and balanced.

Need firewood?

The best way to source firewood is to buy from a registered and sustainably managed supplier within the Adelaide Hills region. This ensures your wood is safe to burn and has not come at the cost of destroying important wildlife habitat.