The Biodiversity Project is a partnership between Country Road and Landcare Australia so far supporting six regeneration projects on cotton farmlands in New South Wales as part of The Biodiversity Project.
Since 2020, weed control, site preparation and planting in riparian areas has been undertaken, resulting in improvements in biodiversity and habitat connectivity. The native plantings support threatened, vulnerable and iconic fauna species while also providing benefits in sustainable farming.
Engaging cotton growers in biodiversity restoration projects across Australian farmlands is part of Country Road’s commitment to supporting local communities and the environment.
The initial project was implemented by the Kahl family in the Namoi Valley, NSW — a region significantly affected by biodiversity loss and in need of restoration. Proud third generation cotton farmers, the Kahl family worked with Landcare Australia, revegetating land adjoining the Namoi River that flows through their property. Benefits of the project are already being seen, and will continue to include increased habitat and shelter for native animals, reduced erosion along the riverbank, improved water quality and enhanced biodiversity. The Watsons, Hamparsums, Pursehouses and Schwagers and Falkiners have implemented similar projects over recent years.
Research findings from ‘Management of Biodiversity in the Cotton Landscape: Iconic and Threatened Species’, a report developed by the Cotton Research and Development Corporation (CRDC) with support from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program Smart Farming Partnership Initiative Round 1, have been used to identify regions and projects that best support environmental outcomes.
Country Road has proudly supported the partnership via corporate contributions and funds raised through the sale of its famous Verified Australian Cotton Heritage Sweats, providing over $1.1 million since the partnership began. This level of funding provides Landcare Australia with the means to work with the Australian cotton industry to conduct multiple biodiversity projects in the region and invite more Australian farmers to participate in the program.