Partnering for Biodiversity
Partnering with the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust
The NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust (BCT) is dedicated to collaborating with landholders to boost and preserve biodiversity throughout New South Wales (NSW). Their mission is to create thriving conservation areas on private lands to safeguard the state's unique flora and fauna.
The BCT and Landcare NSW are joining forces to advance private land conservation in NSW over the next 18 months. Announced by Minister for the Environment Penny Sharpe, this initiative aims to empower landholders with best practices in land conservation, catering to the varied needs of different regions across NSW.
The BCT provides comprehensive information on private land conservation, the benefits of participation, success stories, and the impact of their initiatives through their business plan and website. Their work spans several major programs and educational efforts aimed at promoting biodiversity conservation knowledge.
This collaborative effort underscores the critical role of private landowners in achieving the NSW Government's conservation objectives, leveraging Landcare NSW's expertise in community engagement and capacity building to enhance biodiversity management on private lands.
The partnership between the BCT and Landcare NSW, along with the involvement of the Central Tablelands Regional Landcare Network in upcoming events, illustrates a unified approach to environmental conservation, emphasizing shared goals and leveraging collective resources for greater impact in safeguarding NSW's biodiversity.
Creek Feast with Watershed Landcare
CREEK FEAST brought together over 100 people for an inspiring day of biodiversity celebration, and now we are thrilled to share our video of this unforgettable event!
Words can't capture the magic of the day,. It was miraculous to see how everyone worked together to create such a memorable experience. From the engaging stallholders and knowledgeable exhibitors to the inspiring guest speakers, every element of the day contributed to its success.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust and Landcare NSW for making this event possible. A special shout-out goes to the community groups and volunteers whose dedication and little touches of magic made the day special and welcoming.
Together, we continue to foster a strong, connected, and environmentally conscious community. We look forward to many more events like this in the future!
Soils Alive with MidLachlan Landcare
The "Soil's Alive - What is the Ideal Fungi: Bacteria Ratio" workshop welcomed 45 enthusiastic participants from across the region, all eager to learn more about their soils and the biodiversity below. The workshop was a resounding success, gathering fascinating information from 28 sites, with over 100 Microbiometer tests conducted on both public land and private farms across the Mid Lachlan Region.
The Microbiometer is an innovative tool designed to measure soil health by analyzing the fungi-to-bacteria ratio in the soil. This ratio is crucial for understanding the balance of soil ecosystems, which can greatly impact plant health and productivity. The insights gained from these tests can help farmers and land managers make informed decisions to improve soil health and promote sustainable agriculture.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined us on the day. Your input and enthusiasm are incredibly valuable, and we look forward to seeing the next steps in our journey towards healthier soils.
Collaborative BCT Events with Little River Landcare and Central Tablelands Local Landcare
Our recent events, a joint effort by Little River Landcare and Central Tablelands Local Landcare, showcase the power of collaboration within the Central Tablelands Regional Landcare Network. Each gathering has connected community members with conservation experts to foster knowledge and skills for sustainable land management.
Understanding Soils and Paddock Walk
Twenty-one participants joined us to delve into soil health and paddock dynamics. BCT’s Tiffany Mason, Sharon Cunial, and Ben Perrott led the session alongside Sue Wakefield from the Central Tablelands Local Landcare and Tamara Harris from Central Tablelands Local Land Services. This practical, hands-on walk offered insights into soil management and sustainable practices for paddock health.
Breakfast with the Birds
Bird conservation took the spotlight as 21 attendees joined an engaging morning to learn about the importance of biodiversity on private land. Jayden Gunn from BirdLife Australia, Tiff Mayson from BCT, and Sue Wakefield from Central Tablelands Landcare shared their expertise on bird habitats and conservation. Afterwards the group enjoyed a relaxing Brunch together.
Native Grass ID Workshop
Fifteen participants explored local plant species at our Native Grass ID Workshop, led by Sue Wakefield from Central Tablelands Landcare and Phil Cranny and Greg Ingram from Local Land Services. Attendees learned to identify various weeds and pasture species. They also discovered how the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust can support biodiversity efforts on private land.
Lamb survival and shelterbelts with Lithgow Oberon Landcare
Five primary producers from the Oberon and Sodwalls area joined the workshop, gaining insights from experts on enhancing lamb survival and the benefits of edible shelterbelts.
Gordon Refshauge from DPI shared valuable knowledge on lamb mortality, discussing the impact of factors such as birth weight, wind chill, and the importance of shelter. Bruce Watt, a veterinarian with Local Land Services (LLS), covered animal health issues linked to lamb mortality, including Campylobacter, Listeria, and selenium deficiency.
The group also participated in a field walk, exploring mature shelterbelts and discussing practical benefits for stock movement, wind protection, and snow impact. Ben Perrott from the Biodiversity Conservation Trust (BCT) emphasized the value of private land conservation for improved ecosystem services like water filtration, erosion control, and pest management.
Lithgow Oberon Landcare remains committed to supporting local producers with follow-up workshops on shelterbelt planning and feral species control, with a focus on pig management.
