Arding Landcare was once a thriving group but activity levels have waned over the past 5 years as a result of various factors. A wetland day at Little Llangothlin Lagoon in February 2016 gave new landholders, from near Thomas Lagoon at Arding, a chance to meet up with Southern New England Landcare and Northern Tablelands Local Land Services staff. The landholders wanted to discuss getting Arding Landcare Group activities going again and sort out ‘what next for 'Thomas Lagoon’ – an Endangered Ecological Community which has been a focus of many Arding Landcare Group activities in the past.
The solution
Following the wetland day the group’s new office bearers dug out old management plans, photos and ideas for the Lagoon. They also worked with Northern Tablelands Local Land Services staff to gather existing technical information into a new working document to help guide future management of Thomas Lagoon. The next stage of this activity was a meeting, in September 2016, of stakeholders with interests in Thomas Lagoon.
The impact
Arding Landcare Group are incorporated but are also affiliated members of Southern New England Landcare Ltd. This means they have been able to access assistance from Landcare Coordinators to guide and support them in their efforts. With the help of fliers for mail boxes and the local store, new posters, a meeting advertisement and membership form, the group’s executive held a free sausage sizzle at the local store and a meeting at the Arding Church Hall. These get-togethers resulted in a very successful fund raiser stall and raffle at the Hall on Election Day in July 2016. Since then, Arding Landcare Group have advertised and held their own Annual General Meeting to elect office bearers and committee members, recruit a few more members and plan for a meeting to discuss another fund-raiser and potential group projects and direction - in addition to the Thomas Lagoon activities!
Staff from Southern New England Landcare and the Northern Tablelands Local Land Services continue to support and be involved in the progress around co-operative management of Thomas Lagoon and to facilitate group engagement, functioning and activities. Arding Landcare’s greatest achievements this year have been their willingness and ability to partner with Southern New England Landcare and the Northern Tablelands Local Land Services, their positivity around get-togethers, their efforts to become financially viable and their successful recruitment of more members.
Key facts
- Working collaboratively with the community and NRM agencies was key to reinvigorating the group and paving the way for significant change.
- Enthusiasm from a select few landholders fostered enthusiasm among neighbours and other interested individuals and organisations.
