Below Our Knees: Exploring our Native Grasslands
This workshop engaged the community and local landholders to build connections and spark a coordinated, landscape-scale approach to native grassland management and weed control across the region.
Capacity building - LEP23-014-LLC15-3
The issue
Native grasslands in peri-urban areas are under pressure as larger properties are subdivided, landholder turnover increases, and many new managers have limited knowledge of these ecosystems. Without consistent stewardship, grasslands lose condition, weeds spread rapidly, and the biodiversity they support declines. These issues extend across property boundaries, making isolated efforts less effective. To protect and restore what remains, communities need to come together, share knowledge, and coordinate management. Collaborative action—particularly around weed control and grassland care—is essential to maintaining healthy, resilient grassland ecosystems across the landscape.
The solution
In response to local landholder concerns, Yass Area Network of Landcare Groups and Upper Shoalhaven Landcare co-designed a practical and inspiring workshop focused on native grasslands—their ecology, their value and how to manage them effectively. Delivered in partnership with Friends of Grasslands, South East Local Land Services and informed by the research of Dr Sonia Graham (University of Wollongong), the workshop equipped participants with knowledge on weed control, grassland care and the power of working together. The next step is to support smaller groups of interested landholders to apply what they’ve learned, collaborate locally and take coordinated action in their own landscapes.
The impact
The workshop drew more than 30 local landholders, representing a diverse mix of ages, experience and knowledge. Its design intentionally created space for neighbours to connect, share concerns and discuss the issues most relevant to their area. This open conversation sparked strong interest in ongoing collaboration, with many participants keen to engage further with their local Landcare group. Several landholders also expressed enthusiasm for forming smaller action groups focused on coordinated weed control and native grassland conservation. The workshop successfully strengthened local connections, built confidence and laid the groundwork for collective, landscape-scale action.
Key facts
- There is a growing knowledge gap among new landholders in peri-urban areas, particularly around native grassland ecology and effective long-term land management.
- Community enthusiasm is strong, and Landcare plays a crucial role in connecting like-minded people who want to work together on shared environmental challenges.
- Landcare’s partnerships with expert organisations and local services greatly strengthen community-led efforts, providing knowledge, resources and support that amplify on-ground impact.