South East Landcare

Celebrating Private Land Conservation at the South East Biodiversity Muster

A unique opportunity for landholders, conservationists and like-minded individuals to celebrate and support private land conservation efforts across the region.

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The issue

In 2024, as part of the Landcare NSW Private Land Conservation matters program, South East Landcare was committed to support individuals and connect groups promoting private land conservation in the region. Eight district landcare groups delivered a series of events covering a range of topics including plant identification, ‘Love Reptiles’ roadshow, glider talk & shine, fungi discovery workshop, several webinars and a ‘Bird in the Hand’ citizen science workshop.

The solution

The day began with a motivating morning session filled with presentations and discussions aimed at enriching participants’ knowledge and inspiring conservation actions. Attendees learned about the importance of woodland birds and saw cutting-edge technology in action as Dr. Sally Miller and pilot Kirrily Gould explained how drones are being used to monitor koala populations under the NSW Koala Strategy. Landcare coordinators shared biodiversity stories from their regions, highlighting successful initiatives and local partnerships. Attendees also received valuable insights into Biodiversity Conservation Trust agreements from Tobi Edmonds (South East Regional Manager – Biodiversity Conservation Trust) and heard firsthand from landholders and farmers actively working to incorporate biodiversity into their farm practices and managing their properties with biodiversity front of mind.

The impact

Participants also engaged in hands-on biodiversity monitoring, led by Hannah Windley, Senior Regional Conservation Officer at the Biodiversity Conservation Trust. She guided attendees through a quick biodiversity survey, illustrating practical techniques that can be applied to other conservation projects. Finally, Carolyn Larcombe, owner of the Wandiyali Restoration Trust, shared her personal journey in managing the property, offering insight into the challenges, rewards, and hopes for the future of Wandiyali’s ecosystem. Some of Wandiyali’s rich biodiversity has been captured and can be viewed on the Wandiyali NatureMapr sighting map.

 

Learnings

Special thanks to all the speakers, the organising committee, and the Wandiyali Restoration Trust for creating a space of shared learning, inspiration, and commitment to biodiversity conservation. Hearing from BCT landholders first hand in a candid and open way encouraged others to get involved in conservation work. The combination of project updates and a hands on visit to a BCT landholders property was inspiring and showcased the work that is being done and how to get involved. 

Author: Linda Cavanagh

Key facts

  • The Biodiversity Muster underscored the vital role of private landholders in conserving South East NSW’s unique and precious ecosystems.
  • Attendees left with a renewed passion to protect and enhance biodiversity on their own land.
  • Muster focused on connecting individuals and groups to promote conservation.