The Riverina Highlands Landcare Network is set to receive funding for an innovative project to protect and restore paddock trees.
With funding fro the NSW Environment Trust and Riverina Local land Services, large old trees scattered across paddocks, an iconic image of our rural landscapes, will be protected and additional paddock trees will be planted.
“Paddock trees are much more than a shady spot for stock to camp under, they act as wildlife corridors and provide forage, roosts and hollows for many species including bats, birds and possums” says Nick Austin, Chairman of the Riverina Highlands Landcare Network.
Paddock trees maintain the productive capacity of our land by reducing erosion and salinity, enriching soils and providing a seed source for regeneration.
Unfortunately scattered paddock trees overlap with the most productive areas of our grazing landscapes making them particularly vulnerable to grazing pressures. Research shows that unless the management of paddock trees changes most will be lost from our landscape within the next 100 years.
These large trees are disappearing from our landscape due to:
- Senescence – Many trees are at the end of their livespan
- Mistletoe and Insect Damage – Stressed trees are in more danger of being attached by mistletoe and insects.
- Clearing – For firewood, fences and access for machinery
- Fertilisers and Herbicides – Applications of these change soil nutrient levels and herbicide drift can slowly kill seedlings and mature trees.
- Livestock Damage – Stock can ringbark trees and eat seedlings Their impacts on trees can also be indirect through camping under trees, changing soil fertility and causing soil compaction and degradation.
- Fire – The burning of stubble and tree debris often leads to the death of paddock trees.
“If these tree continue to disappear, future generations will inherit a vastly different landscape”, says Nick Austin.
In recognition of the importance of paddock trees on farms, the Riverina Highlands Landcare Network has funding available to landholders to protect and reinstate paddock trees in our landscape.
The project will assist with the costs towards:
- Protecting Paddock Trees – large hollow-bearing trees mature or dead can be fenced to stop livestock damage and allow natural regeneration. This will extend the life and habitat value of these trees.
- Planting New Paddock Trees – Planting locally native trees and constructing individual paddock tree guards, new trees will be protected from stock damage while the plants are growing.
Landholders wishing to participate in this project are encouraged to contact the Riverina Highlands Landcare Network on 6941 2253 or visit the website – http://www.riverinahighlandslandcare.com.au
Fact Sheet and EOI Form – Fact Sheet-Paddock Tree Project