Bitterns on Farms, Southeast Grampians (VIC)
Project Overview
BirdLife Australia is expanding the Bitterns on Farms project in the Southeast Grampians region of Victoria by establishing baseline wetland data and demonstrating strong farmer interest in wetland restoration for biodiversity. It will address the loss and degradation of wetlands on agricultural land in southwest Victoria, which are critical for the endangered Australasian Bittern and other waterbirds.
Through Voluntary Management Agreements (VMAs), tailored advice, ecological monitoring, workshops, and hydrological restoration, the project will integrate wetland biodiversity management into farm planning, enhance habitat connectivity, and showcase the compatibility of conservation with productive agricultural systems.
Project Goals
- Restore and protect shallow freshwater wetlands to improve habitat for the Australasian Bittern and other waterbirds.
- Integrate wetland management with farm operations to enhance resilience, reduce input costs, and improve stock welfare.
- Increase farmer knowledge, skills, and confidence in biodiversity management.
- Align with key strategies including the Glenelg Hopkins Regional Catchment Strategy, Victorian Wetland Strategy, Biodiversity 2037, and the Australasian Bittern Recovery Plan.
Key Activities
- Ecological wetland surveys and VMA development.
- Hydrological works and fencing to protect wetlands.
- Planting of native wetland vegetation.
- Workshops and field days on wetland ecology and management.
- Production of educational and promotional materials.
