Re-igniting Land for Wildlife

Providing Land for Wildlife in Byron Shire

Re-igniting Land for Wildlife

Providing Land for Wildlife in Byron Shire

Local Links - Stronger Communities -

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The issue

Land for Wildlife was no longer available to private landholders in Byron Shire and there is a high demand for non binding private conservation initiatives in the area.

The solution

Brunswick Valley Landcare (BVL) approached Central Environment Network (CEN), the NSW provider of Land for Wildlife and arranged to take over the regional provision of the Land for Wildlife program in Byron Shire.

BVL receives a per property fee to promote and administer the program and also for the site visits to landholders who are interested in joining the program.  BVL also contributes inkind volunteer hours.

The impact

From May 2016 to June 2017 we signed up 18 properties covering a total of 280 ha with 65 ha of native vegetation.

Land for Wildlife has provided a great way to meet and engage with property owners, especially those that are new to the area.  We have been able to provide them with advice and resources to help them to be able to better manage their properties for biodiversity and wildlife habitat.

Previously Byron Shire Council had signed up 85 properties to Land for Wildlife and we identified a need to link these members with the new members so BVL applied for a Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife grant and were successful in receiving funding to run 6 field days over 3 years.  These field days will provide landholders with the resources and knowledge to be able to better manage their properties for biodiversity.  It will also give members access to a community of like minded people.  A visit to other members’ properties can be a great inspiration.

Pictured is Jane Wickers, an active landcare volunteer from Tristran Parade Locality Group, who has planted thousands of swamp schlerophyll species on her property and also on adjoining properties, rehabilitating an important wetland.

http://www.landcare.nsw.gov.au/groups/tristran-parade-locality-group

Key facts

  • Reigniting links between private landholders who are managing their properties for biodiversity
  • 18 private properties registered for Land for Wildlife
  • 280ha covered by non binding conservation agreements
  • Received $5,796 funding to run 6 field days over 3 years

Project Partners