Native Grasses: From Field to Function
Uncovering the Value of Native Grasses
Capacity building - LEP23 - 013_LLCNS
The issue
The identification, cultural use, and natural distribution of native grasses are rapidly declining in North West New South Wales. This decline is largely driven by significant changes to the landscape, including land clearing, intensive broadacre farming, and the spread of invasive weed species. These pressures have led to the displacement and, in some areas, near extinction of native grass species. As these grasses vanish, so too does the traditional ecological knowledge held by local communities and Indigenous custodians. The loss of native grasses not only affects biodiversity and soil health but also weakens cultural connections and sustainable land management practices.
The solution
A grass identification workshop, hosted by Local Land Services (LLS) in collaboration with the Northern Slopes Landcare Association, brought renewed focus to the significance of native grasses. The workshop aimed to improve participants’ ability to identify local pasture species, especially native varieties critical to the region’s ecological resilience and cultural heritage. This initiative is supported by research from the Native Grains Program team of the University of Sydney, working with Gamilaraay and Yuwalaraay community to find a pathway to an Indigenous-led industry, which is developing techniques for the survival, cultivation, and harvesting of native grasses. Additionally, local regenerative farmers are playing a key role by restoring previously broadacre-farmed land back to thriving native pastures.
The impact
Farmers restoring land to native pastures are seeing significant environmental benefits, including increased biodiversity, improved soil health, more abundant insect life, reduced weed burdens, and even the return of native tree species once thought lost. These landscapes also show greater resilience to extreme weather, such as droughts and floods. Some innovative farmers have developed machinery to harvest native grasses, creating new income streams through seed sales. For Traditional Custodians, the revival of native grains supports cultural practices, control over tradition food systems, and community connection. These outcomes highlight how ecological restoration and cultural renewal can go hand-in-hand to heal both Country and community.
Key facts
- Revitalisation of Indigenous food practices and community healing
- Identification, cultural use, and sustainable harvesting of native grasses
- Biodiversity benefits are restoring native pastures enhances biodiversity, improves soil health, and supports greater resilience to climate extremes like drought and flooding.
- Community Engagement is Key through hands-on, place-based learning builds capacity among landholders, students, and Traditional Custodians.