Direct Seeding Knowledge Exchange
As part of Yass Area Network of Landcare Groups’ Climate Ready Revegetation program, a Direct Seeding Knowledge Exchange brought together local seed suppliers, contractors, experienced landholders and restoration practitioners to share practical lessons from years of on-ground revegetation work. Through facilitated discussion and a field visit to a long-established direct seeding site, participants explored how direct seeding can complement tubestock planting and help scale up climate-ready revegetation across the Yass region.
Capacity building - LEP23-014-LLC15-4
The issue
Climate Ready Revegetation is increasing genetic diversity across local landscapes through climate-ready tubestock grown from seed collected across multiple provenances. While effective, tubestock planting can be resource-intensive and difficult to scale across larger properties. Direct seeding offers a cost-effective way to establish vegetation over broader areas, but many landholders are unsure how to achieve good results. Questions around seed sourcing, species selection, site preparation, timing and management often create barriers. There was also a need to demonstrate that direct seeding complements, rather than replaces, tubestock planting, and to make local practical knowledge more accessible to landholders.
The solution
YAN facilitated a Direct Seeding Knowledge Exchange that brought together experienced landholders, seed suppliers, contractors, restoration practitioners and Landcare members. Through guided discussion, participants shared practical lessons on seed sourcing, species mixes, timing, site preparation, weed control, fencing and monitoring.
A field visit to Ambrosia Park provided a valuable opportunity to see the long-term outcomes of a direct seeding project established more than a decade ago. The workshop encouraged learning across all experience levels and helped build stronger local connections. Insights from the event are now informing Climate Ready Revegetation and Habitat Hops activities across the region.
The impact
The workshop condensed years of practical experience into a single learning opportunity, helping participants gain confidence in planning and implementing direct seeding projects. Landholders developed a clearer understanding of where direct seeding fits within revegetation programs and how to avoid common pitfalls.
The event also strengthened relationships between landholders, contractors, seed suppliers and Landcare, creating valuable networks for future projects.
By supporting the use of climate-ready seed across larger areas, direct seeding expands opportunities for shelterbelts, habitat corridors and restoration plantings. Participants also became part of a growing community of practice committed to sharing knowledge and improving revegetation outcomes.
Key facts
- Direct seeding provides a cost-effective pathway to scale up climate ready revegetation across larger landscapes complementing tubestock planting.
- Bringing together local experienced practitioners to share their local and practical experience helps landholders avoid common mistakes and build capacity and confidence quickly.
- Stronger connections between landholders, contractors, seed suppliers and Landcare create lasting revegetation capacity.