BAROSSA’S wine products have been transformed into habitats for the wildlife affected by Kangaroo Island’s devastating bushfires.

The unique project was instigated by a division of Barossa Enterprises, in Nuriootpa, and is reusing and transforming timber products, including presentation boxes that once housed $900 bottles of wine, into homes for native animals.

Barossa Enterprises gives people with disability an opportunity to participate in woodworking activities, and to make products in a work-type environment.

Barossa Enterprises special projects co-ordinator Rick Mierisch said participants were left saddened by the inferno that devastated Kangaroo Island.

But their concerns soon led the group to transform specially made timber wine boxes and pallets into shelters for the displaced animals.

Eager to assist the recovery efforts were Barossa Bottling Services, Nuriootpa, whose donation of wooden pallets have since been converted into Kangaroo Joey Pouch Stands – with 20 already located on the island.

Furthermore, 160 Henschke Wines' 'Hill of Grace' and 'Hill of Rose' timber boxes have been specifically altered to house Pygmy Possums.

Marie McAvoy from Barossa Bottling Services said it was a natural progression for the company to give support after staff had already passed the hat around for bushfire relief.

"We have also felt the effects of the fires, particularly in the regions," Ms McAvoy said.

"So we saw this project as a win-win."

Winemaker and long-time environmentalist Prue Henscke said she is proud to be associated with Barossa Enterprises and its endeavours.

For the past 25 years the company has provided the Keyneton-based winery with specially-crafted timber boxes which encase a number of their wine products including the world-renowned Hill of Grace.

"This opportunity enabled us to give back," Mrs Henschke said.

On Kangaroo Island, the wooden stands and shelters have been welcomed by KI Wildlife Network and the University of SA, both instrumental in the native animals’ recovery.

KI Native Network, which was established six years ago by chairperson Katie Welz and supported by dedicated volunteers, works to keep wildlife in the wild.

"Bags, which act as pouches, now hang from the stands to enable the animals to feel safe and supported and to also lean out like they would in their mother's pouch," she said.

The design enables the joeys to reach the base of the stand which is sprinkled with dirt and leaves to artificially replicate their habitat.

The timber boxes for the Pygmy Possums now also create ideal habitats; each wine box features two compartments with thumb-sized holes for the tiny possums to access, and have been strapped to the trees.

Under the guidance of Mr Mierisch – who visited Kangaroo Island in June to forge strong links on the island – Barossa Enterprises staff have created a further 30 nesting boxes for native micro bats.

The work comes on top of the group's normal community woodworking creations including planter boxes and chopping boards, sold each Saturday at the Farmers Market near Angaston.

Funds achieved at the market now go towards the group's wish to visit the island to not only see their handiwork in use but also participate in regeneration activities such as planting trees.

"We don't just see this bushfire relief as a once-off project," Mr Mierisch explained.

"We are hoping and wanting this to be a 10-year project."