Using YouTube videos as a training tool

A series of 'how to' bush regeneration technique training videos were created to train up volunteers

Using YouTube videos as a training tool

A series of 'how to' bush regeneration technique training videos were created to train up volunteers

Local Links - Stronger Communities -

LLCI033-066

The issue

At Coffs Harbour Regional Landcare (CHRL) we have 250+ members with new volunteers joining regularly. The majority of these new volunteers have no previous training or experience in bush regeneration. Therefore it is extremely important that we train them in the correct techniques. We hold bush regeneration training days at lease twice a year to try and upskill our volunteers. However it is hard to ensure that all members attend this training and there is often long periods of time between training days.

The solution

To address this issue CHRL decided that a series of 'how to' videos on bush regeneration techniques would be a good way of training up our volunteers in the absence of hands on training opportunities. This way our members would have access to training whenever it was required. Many people prefer to learn visually and the videos would provide a visual learning tool. We then decided that YouTube would be an ideal platform for us to share these videos with our volunteers as it is easily accessible by all. We now have our own YouTube channel. The videos were designed, filmed and edited by one of our project officers. Links to the videos on YouTube can be found on our website. Funding came through our Coffs Harbour City Council's Environmental Levy project.

The impact

Eight 'how to' videos have now been created and uploaded onto our YouTube channel. These include the following on bush regeneration techniques:

  • Stem injection
  • Scrape and paint
  • Cut and paint
  • Crowning
  • Wick wiping
  • Tree planting

and two videos about:

  • Tropical Soda Apple identification and control
  • Weeds and native look alikes

These videos have provided a valuable training resource for our volunteers as we can direct them to the videos when needed. Uploading them on YouTube has enabled easy access for our volunteers as well as the general community. For example a Landcare network can provide a link to our videos on their web page. There have been nearly 9000 views (combined) of our videos so far. The first was uploaded 3 years and we continue to add to them.

Key facts

  • 1 Coffs Harbour Regional Landcare YouTube channel created
  • 8 training videos created and uploaded onto YouTube
  • Combined views of almost 9000
  • Most popular: Stem injection and Tropical Soda Apple identification and control

Project Partners