Birds and Landcare
Developing a partnership with the Cowra Woodland Birds group
Capacity building - LEP23-035_MLL-10
The issue
Mid Lachlan Landcare and the Cowra Woodland Bird Program (CWBP) have shared similar goals for many years, but limited time and resources had prevented the partnership from developing beyond an informal relationship. This represented a missed opportunity to better connect CWBP's extensive bird monitoring data and community knowledge with on-ground Landcare projects. Established in 2001, CWBP has collected valuable long-term data on woodland bird populations across the Cowra district. The challenge was to strengthen collaboration between the two organisations, ensuring this information could be better utilised to guide habitat restoration, engage landholders and support improved biodiversity outcomes across the region.
The solution
To strengthen the partnership, Mid Lachlan Landcare took a more active role in supporting the Cowra Woodland Bird Program throughout the year. One Landcare Coordinator volunteered on survey weekends, building knowledge, capacity and stronger connections with program participants, while other Mid Lachlan Landcare members also contributed as volunteers. Mid Lachlan Landcare further supported the program by assisting with the organisation of the Statewide BIGnet gathering hosted in the Cowra region, including providing event coordination support and MC duties for the evening function. These activities have helped foster stronger collaboration, knowledge sharing and a more strategic partnership between the two organisations.
The impact
The strengthened partnership between Mid Lachlan Landcare and the Cowra Woodland Bird Program has created new opportunities to combine skills, knowledge and networks for the benefit of woodland birds and their habitat across the region. Increased collaboration has improved communication between the groups, encouraged greater volunteer participation and enhanced the sharing of valuable monitoring data and local knowledge. By working together, both organisations are better positioned to support landholders, inform habitat restoration activities and promote the importance of woodland bird conservation. This collaborative approach will help build long-term capacity and deliver more effective biodiversity outcomes across the landscape.