Private Land Landcaring
A tree planting working bee on private property to gather and recruit neighbours for a rotating series of working bees
Capacity building - LEP_23 _033_LLC_BLI_05
The issue
Bellinger Landcare supports groups on public land across our Shire, but has been keen to help re-establish the rotating working bee in private land model which was common in the past. However, our p/t staff have been at capacity and not able to invest the time in getting these groups up and running, and helping them transition to self-sufficiency.
The solution
When one very keen and experienced landholder reached out for help getting 520 plants they had potted up into the groups, Bellinger Landcare provided some organisation, insurance cover and publicity to nearby members, knowing that funding was about to be released to temporarily increase our staff capacity to initiate three new private landholder groups. Since this landholder was in an area already identified as desirable for a group, it was a perfect synergy at just the right moment, especially as the date chosen was the first fine one after a fortnight of rain- perfect for seedling establishment.
The impact
The 520 plants are now in the ground and doing well, fifteen neighbours attended and most are keen to form the first of our new private land rotating working bee groups. Some neighbours had not met before, though they all live on the same road, so new relationships were formed, and existing ones strengthened. People were encouraged to see what was possible in a two hour period with enough help, and shared local experience and knowledge with each other, supplemented by the BLI coordinator and chair, both of whom attended.
The funding to support the consolidation of this group, and two other groups, will be released immanently.
Learnings
Landcare coordinators being out and about in the community, taking time for conversations is important, as is the flexibility to respond to unexpected emerging opportunities, linking them to known resources. In this case a chance discussion in the street led to a request for help with some planting, and ended up with a new group of neighbours agreeing to help each other for the rest of the year, with BLI able to connect them with funding for some tools, and professional bush regeneration guidance.
Key facts
- Working bees are a great way to help neighbours share enthusiasm and knowledge
- Bellinger Landcare helped organise a planting day to get 520 potted plants into the ground.
- Fifteen neighbours attended, and most expressed interest in forming the first new private land rotating working bee group.
- The event strengthened local connections, with some neighbours meeting for the first time despite living on the same road.
- Upcoming funding will support this group and two additional groups with tools, coordination, and professional bush regeneration guidance.