Mosaic Map: NRM funded projects
Key
site specific
region wide
Better biodiversity for better productivity near Glen Innes
More than 150 years of farming on 'Nant Lodge,' near Glen Innes, had seen native plants and species all but disappear; but an ambitious tree-planting and fencing project spanning over 20 years has restored a degraded valley.
Funding
To help with this long-term project on the 247-hectare property in the Furracabad Valley, in 2002 the Australian Government gave Robert and Annabel Dulhunty more than $27,000, through the Glen Innes Natural Resources Advisory Committee.
"Nant Lodge had been run down by many years of farming, and there was a concern among the local community about a lack of biodiversity in the valley," Robert said.
So some 20 years ago, a few landholders got together to work out how to bring the valley back to life.
Activities
They began with a study to map the catchment soils and plants, and to identify problems like erosion and salinity.
"We held property planting workshops and looked at where remnants were and where we could create corridors to join plants between neighbouring properties," Robert said.
"We looked at the whole catchment to link each property into the bigger jigsaw puzzle. Then it was pretty much about planting trees."
And plant trees they did.
Achievements
"On my property alone we've planted about 30,000, and I'm only one member of Furracabad Landcare, so my guess would be that somewhere between 100,000 and 200,000 trees have gone in over the years," Robert said.
The newly planted trees also needed protecting, so Robert completely re-fenced the property to protect plant corridors as well as to support rotational grazing.
Robert and Annabel also constructed a water supply for their cattle, and wetlands to provide a habitat for aquatic species.
"Now the farm water supply and storage not only provides clean water for our cattle and drought security, it has also become a high value conservation area for biodiversity," Robert said.
"I'm not one to think that biodiversity and productivity conflict, I believe if you look after the health of the ecosystem, that will in turn improve the health of your farm and increase production. We've seen a big improvement in productivity and efficiency.
"We've also seen an increase in birdlife and frog species, and have noticed wallaroos, kangaroos and wallabies coming into the valley - before they were isolated to the hills.
"It's very rewarding to look back and see what we've achieved over the past 20 years."
More information
- Melissa Freeman, Glen Innes Natural Resources Advisory Committee Community Support Officer: (02) 6732 3443 or glenrac@bigpond.net.au
See also
Key
Links to another web site
Opens a pop-up window