Hastings Landcare Inc

Bell Miner Associated Dieback Workshop Series

Partnership with North Coast LLS delivering a series of workshops and field days.

Community Participation - LP022-051

The issue

BMAD (Bell Miner Associated Dieback) is Forest dieback associated with over-abundant psyllids (or lerps) and Bell Miners. BMAD is listed as a key threatening process in NSW. Psyllids are small sap-sucking insects that secrete a sugary shield called a lerp. Bell miners are a native bird that feed on the psyllids and some say they even farm them! Signs of BMAD include leaf loss from the tips of twigs and branches, and can result in defoliation of whole trees and stands of trees. This form of dieback is particularly prevalent in north-eastern NSW. It has been estimated that 2.5 million ha of forest in NSW has the potential to be affected.

The solution

North Coast Local Land Services and Hastings Landcare partnered to deliver a series of BMAD workshops and field day to educate and support landholders. Over three workshops participants learnt about bell minor birds and the process that can lead to forest dieback including information about forest ecology, how to identify BMAD, management techniques and how to get involved using the BMAD App. Other topics explored included forest ecology, nest boxes, native fauna, pest species, weeds, weed control techniques. There was also a walk to a bell miner colony and weed control demonstrations.

The impact

  • Over 90 people attended the workshops
  • Created awareness of bell miner associated dieback
  • Gave landholders capacity to identify and record bell miner colonies using the BMAD App.
  • Promoted different options for bell miner management
  • Brought local communities together
Author: Stephen Allwood

Key facts

  • (Bell Miner Associated Dieback) is Forest dieback associated with over-abundant psyllids (or lerps) and Bell Miners.
  • BMAD is listed as a key threatening process in NSW.
  • Bell miners are a native bird that feed on the psyllids and some say they even farm them!
  • Citizen Science- Download the Anecdata App and search for “Bell Miner” and join the Project.

Project Partners