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    NET May 25 1 17The New England Times recently reported on the region’s most ambitious koala habitat restoration project to date, set to unfold at ‘Ringwood’, a 1600ha property near Uralla owned by James and Angelica Smith.

    The project is part of the Koala Friendly Carbon Initiative, a collaboration between Climate Friendly and WWF-Australia, supported by the NSW Government.

    Over 300 hectares at Ringwood will be reforested with native species, forming part of a broader goal to restore 10,000 hectares of koala habitat across NSW.

    2904826311The Armidale Tree Group is having its annual sale of discounted hiko stock and half price to less retail plants.

    Full trays of hiko tubestock (40 trees) will be discounted to half price or less. 

    Sale begins Thursday 29th May, while stock lasts, and ends Saturday 31st May.

    Doors open at 9 am.

    Spread the word!

    Armidale Tree Group, 80 Mann Street, Armidale NSW 2350

    P 02 6771 1620 W: https://armidaletreegroup.org.au/

    imagesSoil Land Food has launched a practical new tool to help landholders easily monitor and manage soil health on their properties — the Soil HASH (Holistic Assessment of Soil Health) tool.

    Designed as a simple, integrated method, Soil HASH uses biological, biochemical, and physical indicators to assess soil condition and highlight areas limiting productivity.

    Like regular servicing for a car, an annual HASH assessment — ideally in Autumn or Spring — helps keep your soil in top condition.

    The tool can guide future management decisions, such as improving water infiltration or reducing compaction.

    A free download of the HASH 1 Manual is now available via the SoilSkills website, with a more advanced HASH 2 Manual set to be released soon.

    Credit: Soil Land Food

    Landholder flyerResearchers from Western Sydney University, the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, and the University of Tasmania are seeking landholders across northern NSW to take part in a new study on grassy woodland revegetation.

    If you’ve planted native grassy woodland species in wide blocks (30m+) over the past 5 to 30 years, your experience is invaluable.

    taylor finklea 7Kui 5XyImc RABBITFarmers are at their wits’ end dealing with wild rabbits as a plague of the pest sweeps across parts of NSW. 

    NSW Farmers’ Junee Branch Chair Martin Honner said landholders in the Junee, Illabo, Wagga Wagga and surrounding districts were losing the battle to contain the destructive pests as they were reported in unprecedented numbers across the Riverina.

    “The Easter Bunny is one thing, but these pests are a whole other ball game that have been introduced into our nation and have been causing havoc ever since,” Mr Honner said. 

    NSWF Renewable Energy Landholder Guide frontcoverNSW Farmers has launched a new guide to help farmers and rural communities navigate the renewable energy transition.

    More than 120 pIMG 4461assionate community members gathered for Southern New England Landcare’s Koala Konversations event on 20th March at the Welder’s Dog Brewery in Armidale.

    An overwhelming success, the event provided a unique opportunity for participants to hear from leading experts about the current state of koalas in our region, and the urgent need for conservation efforts.

    Southern New England Landcare’s Koala Conservation Project Officer, Matt Elsley, said, “Community feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with attendees expressing their appreciation for the expert speaker insights and calling for more events like this in the future.”

    Attendees had the privilege of hearing from a panel of expert speakers, including:

    - John Lemon, a local ecologist, who spoke about the ongoing decline of koalas in the region, highlighting the alarming trends moving eastward due to climate change.
    - Tim Scanlon, NPWS Habitat Restoration Expert, who emphasized the importance of habitat restoration and how maintaining and creating new habitats allows koalas and other species to adapt and move through the landscape.
    - Romane Cristescu, a conservation ecologist, who demonstrated cutting-edge technology used for ecological surveys and introduced Bear, a specially trained koala detection dog, who was well received!
    - Carolyn Hogg, a conservation geneticist, who delved into the genetic significance of Northern NSW koalas, highlighting their high levels of genetic diversity, which is crucial for the long-term survival of the species at a national level.

    Join our board square 320Would you like to join a dynamic board of directors in the local area, or do you know someone who would like to?

    Serving on a not-for-profit board offers numerous benefits, including making a meaningful impact, developing leadership skills, expanding your network, and gaining valuable experience, all while contributing to a cause you care about. 

    Southern New England Landcare Ltd is currently seeking up to three additional directors to join their board.

    IMG 7502Southern New England Landcare Local Landcare Coordinators Struan and Beth are working with our affiliated Local Landcare Groups to develop a Local Priority Plan, and we need your input!

    This is a great opportunity to reflect on what your group has achieved, clarify its purpose, and set your group’s priorities for the future.

    Thank you to everyone who has made contact with us already!

     

    IMG 8544Southern New England Landcare’s new ‘Cuppa Chat’ groups are bringing together local farmers and graziers for informal, on-farm discussions about sustainable and regenerative agriculture.

    These groups provide a relaxed environment where participants can share experiences, learn from one another, and explore practical approaches to land management.

    “The aim of the groups are to provide a safe space for farmers to have in-depth discussions on sustainable land practices and regenerative agriculture,” said Elizabeth Rosser, Local Landcare Coordinator with Southern New England Landcare.

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    Proposal To Dissolve New England County Council (trading as New England Weeds Authority).

    Submissions or comments deadline is 1 April 2025.

    Click here for more information. 

    DSC 9084 2Southern New England Landcare invites community members to Koala Konversations, an inspiring Koala Conservation Speaker Night, to learn how they can help protect one of Australia’s most iconic species.

    The evening, to be held on 20th March in Armidale, features talks from leading experts in the field, offering insights into the challenges facing koalas, and the efforts underway locally, to secure their future.

    grant applicationArmidale Regional Council is offering Community Small Grants (up to $2,000) and Community Support Grants ($2,000 to $5,000) to support projects within the Armidale Local Government Area.

    Eligible applicants include community groups, not-for-profit organisations, arts and cultural groups, sporting clubs, and individuals.

    Picture1Local community organisation GWYMAC (Gwydir and Macintyre Resources Management Committee) is preparing to host the 2025 New England and North West Landcare Adventure, on 7th & 8th March at Inverell.

    The two-day event, themed, ‘Nurturing Nature - Cultivating Tomorrow’ is designed to inspire and connect landholders, environment enthusiasts, and community members to facilitate thriving, sustainable communities in the region.

    The Adventure offers a dynamic program of expert talks, immersive tours, and opportunities to network with like-minded individuals.

    IMG 2424Seeing native vegetation as ‘natural capital’, and managing it as such, has been a topic of great interest to policy makers and landholders in recent times, especially since the release of the Draft Native Vegetation Regulatory Map.

    Walcha landholders can explore why at an upcoming workshop being facilitated by Southern New England Landcare.

    “The workshop will offer practical guidance for landholders navigating native vegetation regulations, as well as new opportunities in natural capital,” said Elizabeth Rosser, Local Landcare Coordinator with Southern New England Landcare.

    FA 2022Landcare Australia has opened the 2025 General Jeffery Soil Health Award and is inviting landcarers across the country to nominate friends and colleagues who make an impact in soil health.

    Who has ACTUALLY made a difference in soil health?

    Who has ACTUALLY changed the way you think about soil health?

    What groups have ACTUALLY been the most effective in improving soil health?

    What organisations are ACTUALLY leading the way in soil health initiatives?

    This is your chance to recognise them.

    Website Events Banner 2The first entries for the Brushes for Biodiversity Kids and Youth Art Competition have been recieved and I have been blown away by some talented kids from Walcha!

    There is still time to enter your art work - kits available at the Guyra, Uralla and Walcha libraries or the SNEL office in Armidale. You can also use what you have on hand at home. Details on how to enter on our website.

    landcare adventure Promo flyer 2025 006 FINALGwymac Landcare invites you to an exciting two-day event packed with learning, connection, and celebration.

    Day 1: Inspiring Presentations and a Memorable Evening:

    Learn from renowned guest speakers, including Terry McCosker OAM, Walter Jehne, Dr. John Hunter, Phill Lee, Alex Dudley, Russell Young, Tony Sonter, Liz Blair, and Paul McDonald, as they share their expertise and insights.

    In the evening, head to “Danthonia” for a special dinner featuring Native Angus Beef and a keynote by Dr. Pran Yoganathan. Wrap up the night by dancing to the lively tunes of the Swamp Dawkins Bush Band. Bus transport will be provided to and from Danthonia.

    Christmas message

    1Guess the Species and Get Creative!

    We’re running a fun Who am I? challenge on our social media pages to celebrate the incredible plants and animals of the New England and Northern Tablelands and to increase the knowledge around the many threatened species in our beautiful part of the world.

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