Healthy landscapes for small landholders

Over the past 12 months, Perth NRM has coordinated online webinars, site visits to equine properties, attended small farmer field days and held a half day seminar, with the aim to provide information to these property owners, specifically those with an interest in managing small herds of stock, running horses, and horticultural production.  By providing information in these easily accessible formats, small landholders can learn how to adopt practical methods to improve pasture management, soil health and habitat for wildlife.

One such event was the recent Enhancing Land Stewardship of Small Properties, held in March at the Kalamunda Performing Arts centre. Chris Ferreira, from The Forever Project, shared practical planning advice with over 70 participants from across Perth including techniques to zone properties; methods to support mixed, resilient pastures; a range of ways to manage the risk of fire; and were encouraged to implement simple actions on their properties.  Kathy Hubble, Biotafull, articulated the paramount importance of soil health and Hannah Gulliver shared how the resources offered by ReWild Perth can assist land owners to increase the diversity of native plants and support native wildlife on their properties.  The Darling Range Branch of the WA Naturalists’ Club were also in attendance, with their stall encouraging an understanding, love and protection of the local Perth Hills native flora and fauna.

Local governments, like the Shire of Mundaring, are key to supporting small landholders in Perth’s peri-urban zone.  They can provide advice on what to consider when purchasing a property, guidelines for stock management and opportunities on how to improve your property.

Attendees enjoyed the opportunity to speak in-depth with the presenters and each other during event breaks, with many committing to changing practices to improve their soil health and overall condition of their property.  One participant shared, “I am more confident in how I can manage and create better understorey [vegetation] and create features on my land to improve hydration and soil quality”.

For more information about the managing small properties and sustainable agriculture please contact Perth NRM Sustainable Agriculture Team at [email protected]. For any questions or additional information related to this project please contact Perth NRM’s Manager Stakeholder Engagement on [email protected]

Thank you to all the project sponsors. The Enhancing Land Stewardship of Small Properties event was presented by the Shire of Mundaring, the Forever Project and Perth NRM. This project is supported by funding from the Western Australian Government’s State NRM Program.