Southern New England Landcare hosted a successful two-day Landscape Rehydration Bootcamp in Uralla, delivered in partnership with the Mulloon Institute on 18–19 March 2026.
“Landholders are increasingly looking for practical ways to manage water, reduce erosion and build resilience into their landscapes,” said Elizabeth Rosser, Local Landcare Coordinator with Southern New England Landcare.
“This bootcamp gave participants the opportunity to learn directly from experienced practitioners and start applying those principles to their own properties.”
Held at CSIRO Chiswick Research Farm, the bootcamp brought together more than 20 landholders from across the region for a mix of practical demonstrations, theory and hands-on learning focused on improving landscape function and water management.
Participants explored how water moves through the landscape and how simple, well-designed interventions can slow flows, reduce erosion and increase water retention.
Demonstrations included observing water movement across bare ground, followed by practical sessions on structures designed to slow and spread water, improve infiltration, and protect valuable topsoil.
A key component of the bootcamp was whole-of-farm planning.
Landholders worked with maps of their own properties to identify stream order, map gullies and better understand catchment areas.
This provided a foundation for making informed decisions about where and how to implement rehydration strategies.
Four participants were selected to take part in an extended mentoring program with Mulloon Institute educators.
Through a combination of online support from the Mulloon Institute and on ground support from Southern New England Landcare staff, these landholders will develop long-term, whole-of-farm landscape rehydration plans.
The program will also help participants navigate regulatory requirements associated with larger waterways.
Southern New England Landcare Local Landcare Coordinator Elizabeth Rosser said the project is building strong local capability.
“Alongside training from organisations like the Mulloon Institute, we’re fortunate to have on-ground support from Northern Tablelands Local Land Services,” she said.
“This means landholders not only gain knowledge but also have access to local expertise to help put plans into action.”
The next stage of the project will be a “Boots on Ground” field day in Wongwibinda in May.
The event will give participants and community members the opportunity to work together to construct rehydration structures in an active erosion site, guided by experienced mentors.
“Many people learn best by doing, and this day is about turning knowledge into practical action,” Elizabeth said.
The bootcamp forms part of the Armidale Regional and Uralla Shire Councils’ Regional Drought Resilience Plan, funded through the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.
Southern New England Landcare will also host a two-day “Reading Rural Landscapes” workshop in April, delivered by David Hardwick of Soil Land Food.
The workshop will build on the principles introduced during the bootcamp, with a focus on interpreting landscape function and supporting whole-of-farm planning.
For more information or to register for upcoming events, visit the Southern New England Landcare website.
