As part of Landcare Ag’s Biodiversity in Action program, Bass Coast Landcare Network’s Farming with Nature series is gaining momentum, with producers, Landcarers and Traditional Owners coming together to explore practical approaches to protecting remnant woodlands, supporting threatened species and managing woody weeds.
The project has already seen important on-ground progress, with the Bunurong Land Council Strong Country team undertaking woody weed work at the project’s trial site, followed by continued works from the Bass Coast Landcare Network works crew. These early activities are helping to build knowledge around Sweet Pittosporum management while supporting the health and resilience of significant remnant vegetation close to the Western Port coastline.
The site’s environmental value was highlighted recently with the sighting of two Powerful Owls within the project area. The threatened species sighting has sparked valuable conversations about habitat protection and the role of remnant woodlands in supporting biodiversity across the landscape.
Woodlands Walk & Wine launches the series
The first Farming with Nature field day, Woodlands Walk & Wine, was held at The Gurdies Winery on 30 April and attracted a strong turnout of farmers and Landcarers. The event created an opportunity for local producers to connect with each other, share observations and discuss practical ways to manage threatened species habitat, remnant woodlands and woody weeds on farming properties.
Participants joined a sunset walk into the Hurdy Gurdy Creek Gully to visit the Sweet Pittosporum trial site and see first-hand how weed management approaches are being explored in a sensitive woodland setting. The walk also provided a chance to talk about the habitat values of the area, including the remnant Eucalyptus viminalis and the recent Powerful Owl sightings.
Strong interest from local Landcare groups
Early engagement with the project has been encouraging, with strong interest from Korumburra and Bass Valley Landcare Group members following presentations at recent meetings and events. These conversations are helping to build awareness of the project and identify the topics producers are keen to explore further as the series continues.
The Bunurong Land Council Strong Country team has also identified the project site as a place of strong value and future interest. Their involvement has brought important cultural knowledge and land management perspectives to the work, strengthening the project’s focus on caring for Country alongside practical biodiversity outcomes.
Looking ahead
Feedback and discussions from the first field day will help guide future Farming with Nature events in the Western Port Woodlands. With strong early interest from producers, Landcare members and Traditional Owners, the series is creating valuable opportunities to share knowledge, strengthen local networks and support biodiversity-friendly land management.
As part of this work, 30 Blue-winged Parrot nest boxes have now arrived, with six already installed as a pilot in the Western Port Woodlands. While the parrots are not expected to arrive until September or October, when they begin searching for suitable nesting sites, the trial will also help assess which other wildlife species show interest in the boxes. Built from recycled Jarrah by Thermal Haven Nest Boxes and designed with input from experts including BirdLife Bass Coast and the Gippsland Threatened Species Action Group, the boxes are a long-lasting addition to habitat protection efforts in the woodlands.
Keep an eye out for more events in the series as the project continues to explore practical ways farming and nature can work together across the region.
This project is part of Landcare Ag’s Biodiversity in Action program. The Landcare Australia Biodiversity in Action Grant is funded by the Australian Government through the Natural Heritage Trust.
