Landholders, conservationists, and conservation-minded individuals gathered on Friday, 8 November 2024, for the South East Private Land Conservation Matters Biodiversity Muster. This event provided a unique opportunity to celebrate and support private land conservation efforts across the South East region.
The day began with a motivating morning session filled with presentations and discussions aimed at enriching participants’ knowledge and inspiring conservation actions. Attendees learned about the importance of woodland birds and saw cutting-edge technology in action as Dr. Sally Miller and pilot Kirrily Gould explained how drones are being used to monitor koala populations under the NSW Koala Strategy. Landcare coordinators shared biodiversity stories from their regions, highlighting successful initiatives and local partnerships. Attendees also received valuable insights into Biodiversity Conservation Trust agreements from Tobi Edmunds (South East Regional Manager – Biodiversity Conservation Trust) and heard firsthand from landholders and farmers actively working to incorporate biodiversity into their farm practices and managing their properties with biodiversity front of mind.
In the afternoon, the gathering moved to the Wandiyali Restoration Trust, a remarkable example of private land restoration and conservation. Here, Dr. Damon Oliver, Senior Team Leader of Ecosystems and Threatened Species at the Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water, led a deep dive into the region’s woodland birds, offering a vivid overview of species diversity within South East NSW. In the short time the group was at Wandiyali Paul Russell, Project Officer – Birds on Farms, identified 23 species of birds (See the Wandiyali Bird List – 8 Nov 2024). Their insights provided an inspiring look into the ongoing conservation needs and successes in the region.
Participants also engaged in hands-on biodiversity monitoring, led by Hannah Windley, Senior Regional Conservation Officer at the Biodiversity Conservation Trust. She guided attendees through a quick biodiversity survey, illustrating practical techniques that can be applied to other conservation projects. Finally, Carolyn Larcombe, owner of the Wandiyali Restoration Trust, shared her personal journey in managing the property, offering insight into the challenges, rewards, and hopes for the future of Wandiyali’s ecosystem. Some of Wandiyali’s rich biodiversity has been captured and can be viewed on the Wandiyali NatureMapr sighting map.
Special thanks to all the speakers, the organising committee, and the Wandiyali Restoration Trust for creating a space of shared learning, inspiration, and commitment to biodiversity conservation. The Biodiversity Muster underscored the vital role of private landholders in conserving South East NSW’s unique and precious ecosystems, and attendees left with a renewed passion to protect and enhance biodiversity on their own land.
Written by Sarah McGrath for South East Landcare
You may also like . . .
>> Private Land Conservation Matters Project
>> more about Wandiyali Restoration Trust
>> Restoring Biodiversity Through Dam Restoration: A Look at Landcare Illawarra’s Farm Dam Workshop
>> A Bird in the Hand, Data in the App Citizen Science workshop
