Landscape Rehydration Mentoring Program
Regional Drought Resilience Plan Project Activity 3
Capacity building - LEP23-024-4-014
The issue
Landholders across the region face ongoing challenges associated with erosion, water runoff, and declining landscape function. While workshops and field days help build awareness and knowledge, many participants require additional technical guidance and ongoing support to confidently move from learning to practical on-ground implementation of landscape rehydration projects.
The solution
Southern New England Landcare (SNEL) partnered with Mulloon Institute to deliver a six-month Landscape Rehydration Mentoring Program for landholders across the Armidale and Uralla regions. Four mentees were selected through an Expression of Interest process in January 2026. The program provided participants with technical support from the Mulloon Institute Landscape Design (MILD) team through site visits and structured online mentoring sessions. Each mentee developed a project plan for a site of concern on their property, including site assessment, structure design, implementation, and monitoring. SNEL also assisted with gully surveys to support accurate structure design and remote planning.
The impact
The mentoring program provided tailored technical support, site assessments, and one-on-one guidance to help landholders implement practical landscape rehydration projects on their properties. Participants gained valuable skills in erosion control, water retention, and low-tech natural infrastructure approaches suited to their landscapes. The program increased participants’ confidence and capacity to undertake on-ground restoration works independently while supporting long-term adoption of landscape rehydration practices. Participants were highly engaged, appreciative of the mentoring support provided, and committed to improving the resilience of on-farm water resources through practical landscape restoration strategies.
Key facts
- Six-month mentoring program delivered by Mulloon Institute
- Five one-on-one online mentoring sessions completed per participant
- Supported practical on-farm landscape rehydration planning and implementation