Many existing scattered paddock trees are more than 100 years old.
Mid Lachlan Landcare are excited to introduce our Mid Lachlan Landcarers to a new regional project across the Central Tablelands. The aim is to continue building on the work already done to introduce more scattered paddock trees back into our farms.
The planting of these trees can add important connectivity across our landscapes that our native birds can use. They also increase the amount of shade and shelter in the paddocks on our farms.
This project will assist landholders to plant individually guarded paddock trees across your farm to improve and restore habitat for local Woodland bird species that are under decline.
Many existing scattered paddock trees are more than 100 years old and when they die, they aren’t being replaced. The value of paddock trees is considerable, and their decline has been identified as a significant threat to woodland habitats as they provide shelter, food and nesting sites for birds, bats, insects and mammals.
Paddock trees are also valuable for agricultural productivity by playing a crucial role in managing salinity, improving soil properties, and providing shade for stock.
The project aims to further develop connectivity through the landscape as paddock trees are critically important to the conservation of many of our native fauna.
Trees must be planted a maximum of 30m apart and priority will be given to projects that provide connectivity across the landscape. This year we can also fund adding trees around an already established paddock tree that may not add to connectivity but create a small grove of trees.
Mid Lachlan Landcare will provide 70% of the cost of either 12 or 25 tree guard mesh pieces, the star pickets needed to make the guards and the trees to plant in the guards. Construction and installation of the tree guards plus planting of tube stock trees is to be completed by 30 June 2027.
Priority for project funding will be given to landholders who have not participated in previous scattered paddock tree projects. Projects around known hotspots for Woodland birds will also be prioritised.
Expression of interest must be received by 21 November. For enquiries or to receive an Expression of Interest form please contact Tracee Burke – Mid Lachlan Landcare, via email: midlachlanlandcare@gmail.com