Central Tablelands Regional Landcare Network

The ANU brings evidence-based science to Landcare

A collaboration between the Australian National University’s Fenner Institute and Landcare networks in the Central Tablelands and Central West regions is building knowledge and skills for better Box Gum Grassy Woodland management on farmland.

Collaborations - NSWLP – 016_R002

The issue

Box Gum Grassy Woodland is a Federal and State recognised endangered ecological community (EEC). Whilst this vegetation community is extensive in its range, occurring from southern Queensland through New South Wales and Victoria, its association with fertile soils has resulted in extensive degradation to due agricultural land use such as clearing, set stock grazing, fertiliser and herbicide use. Unlike many other EECs, the Box Gum Grassy Woodland almost exclusively occurs on privately held land. The challenge therefore is to engage, educate and support land holders to value, protect and enhance this EEC without losing out financially. A significant challenge indeed!

The solution

With these challenges in mind, Regional Landcare Coordinators and Local Land Services Regional Agriculture Landcare Facilitators in the Central Tablelands are working with the Australian National University’s Fenner Institute through their Sustainable Farms Project to build the capacity of local Landcare Coordinators and host committee members in ecological management of BGGW.

The impact

By freely sharing evidence-based science, ANU research ecologists assist Landcare to maximise the ecological outcomes of projects they are delivering on private land in their network areas. Example project include protecting rocky outcrops, connecting woodland remnants, enhancing superb parrot habitat and ground cover management through grazing projects.  So far one online introduction session has been provided by the ANU and follow up online, face to face and field based sessions, including a regional bus tour of farm sites, have been discussed.

Author: Sharon Cunial

Key facts

  • Box Gum Grassy Woodland is an Endangered Ecological Community that occurs extensively on private land.
  • Research indicates that managing for biodiversity on farms can also have production benefits.
  • Landcare extends the reach of ANU’s research findings to their local communities and project participants.
  • The Sustainable Farms project communicates research findings through free webinars, field days, podcasts and case studies on their website sustainablefarms.org.au
  • Photos generously supplied by Mid Lachlan Landcare