Landscape Rehydration Bootcamp
Regional Drought Resilience Plan Project Activity 2
Capacity building - LEP23-024-4-013
The issue
Landholders across the region face increasing challenges associated with drought, erosion, rapid water runoff, and declining hydrological function. While there is growing interest in landscape rehydration approaches, many landholders require practical training and technical knowledge to confidently assess their landscapes and implement effective on ground.
The solution
Southern New England Landcare partnered with Mulloon Institute to deliver a two-day Landscape Rehydration Bootcamp at “Chiswick”, the CSIRO farm near Uralla, as part of the Armidale Regional Council and Uralla Shire Council Regional Drought Resilience Plan. The bootcamp combined classroom theory with practical field activities focused on hydrology, erosion management, landscape assessment, and project planning. Participants learned to identify hydrological features, assess gully health, calculate water flows, and design low-tech natural infrastructure solutions through surveying exercises, erosion-control structure construction, and field assessments.
The impact
A total of 28 participants attended the bootcamp, taking part in classroom learning, practical demonstrations, and field-based activities focused on landscape rehydration and restoration. The program significantly improved participants’ understanding of water management, erosion control, and landscape resilience relevant to their own properties. Participants gained hands-on experience in erosion control, hydrology assessment and low-cost restoration approaches, building confidence to undertake on-ground projects independently. The practical and interactive format encouraged strong engagement, peer learning, and knowledge sharing. The bootcamp also supported long-term adoption of landscape rehydration practices through follow-up mentoring and ongoing technical support opportunities.
Key facts
- 28 participants attended the two-day bootcamp
- Combined classroom learning with practical field demonstrations
- Included follow-up mentoring opportunities for project implementation