A small team of researchers, land managers and practitioners at the University of New England and Northern Tablelands Local Land Services are embarking on an environmental project to protect and restore two locally endangered woodlands here in the heart of the New England.
Angophora Bushland Reserve, at the junction of Bona Vista Road and Burgess Street in south Armidale, is a precious piece of bushland remaining within the town boundaries. It is small, only 1.35 ha but enough for large native trees to grow, mature, and shed branches. This is when most eucalypts develop hollows.
27 & 28 July 2020
Bushfire affected communities are suffering from high-stress levels, emotional burnout and heavy thoughts. Lifeline want to assist devastated communities at Dorrigo and Nymboida in building psychological resilience through some targeted training and support. Fully funded Psychological First Aid workshops will provide the tools to help your community members in this time of need.
BirdLife Australia regret to inform that the August round of the biannual surveys for Swift Parrots and Regent Honeyeaters has been cancelled. The official survey period was scheduled to occur from 25 July to 9 August 2020.
We're COVIDSafe, but we'd like to request that visitors to our office make an appointment , so we can ensure we maintain physical distancing in our small office space. We have a limit of 1 visitor in our reception area at any one time, so if you arrive and see someone already there, please knock and wait outside, or call us on 6772 9123 to make an appointment. You can view our Epidemic/Pandemic Policy document here. Stay safe and well everyone!
The start of the new financial year marks a fresh milestone in a 25 year partnership between Southern New England Landcare and Armidale Regional Council.
From left to right: Kàren Zirkler (Executive Officer), Peter Metcalfe, Bryan Johnston, Bev Stubberfield, Jill Moore-Kashima, David Henderson (President), Susan Law (ARC CEO), Richard Daugherty, Steve Harvey and Bill Perrottet. Image courtesy of Struan Ferguson.
African lovegrass is a species in the Northern Tablelands which is widely distributed. It has low feed value, can quickly colonize disturbed areas and can grow to a large perennial tussock grass of 1.2 m in height. African lovegrass grows on acidic, sandy soils with low fertility and can tolerate heat, drought and frosts. It is a born survivor.
Image - African Lovegrass, courtesy of Bruce Auld.
The years 1989-1992 saw the formation of several Landcare groups in the Southern New England. Around the same time, two amazing women began their careers in grazing and soil management, undertaking their Doctorates of Philosophy through the University of New England with one of our early Landcare groups.
We our proud to announce that we have secured both Dr Christine Jones, and Dr Judi Earl as keynote speakers at a two-day 30-year celebration event on 24-25 March 2021.
For the past few months, Southern New England Landcare has been involved in developing an implementation role in the Restore Australia Project, the largest restoration project the country has ever seen.
Dear Members - re the National Landcare situation,
As I settle into my third year as CEO of Landcare NSW, there is much to celebrate. Our community of dedicated Landcarers is doing a wonderful job. At the national level, however, Landcare faces a serious threat.
A free public webinar being held this month will give community members the latest information about the Groundwater Supply Network being developed in the Guyra district.
Recently Parthenium weed has been found west of the Northern Tablelands on the slopes and plains. Plants were found on a drought feeding station, sourced from millet hay which came from northern Queensland last winter in the middle of the 2019 drought.
A spike in health issues and deaths in sheep, particularly amongst weaners, has prompted a call to farmers to investigate ill thrift early and take action before problems spread to the rest of the mob.
Image - An ill thrifty weaner. If landholders take early action to investigate ill thrift in their sheep they can prevent problems spreading to the rest of the mob.
Federal Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce, said individuals and organisations at the centre of protecting our native species could now receive additional Federal Government support to help with the recovery of wildlife and habitats following the devastating bushfires.
Rural landholders will decide who is elected to Local Land Services boards around the state with voting underway since Thursday, April 9.
A grant to the value of $100,000 has been awarded so that landholders in the Uralla district can restore habitat connectivity for threatened fauna and flora.
Image: A Speckled Warbler courtesy of Ian Colley.
Blue Heliotrope is a native of South America and is a major agricultural weed in in New South Wales.
Now that we have moved towards drought and bush fire recovery in the Northern Tablelands region there is some hope on the horizon for better seasons ahead. Perhaps there is an opportunity to rebuild our production and environmental landscapes.
In recent days, there has been much media talking about the mental health impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak as a result of self-isolating and the stress and anxiety that comes from the economic implications for individuals, businesses and communities.
For those of us in the regions, it comes on top of the drought and the fires we have experienced over the last year or two. Here are some tips for looking after yourself during these difficult times:
Southern New England Landcare is pleased to announce our participation in Regional Australia Bank’s Community Partnership Program. This program allows you to support us without costing you a cent!
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Do you have a project that could benefit from a grant? Would you neighbours like to particpate?
Our Landcare Coordinators can help develop project ideas, action plan next steps, and source funding!
Tell us your ideas using our Expression of Interest Form
