Presented by nationally renowned agroforestry specialist Rowan Reid, these workshops are designed to help participants understand how integrating trees into farming landscapes can improve productivity, strengthen biodiversity, protect natural resources, and build long-term farm resilience.
Day One, Thursday 6 August | Growing Value: Trees for Productive Farms
This session focuses on agroforestry and the productive integration of trees into farming systems. It will explore how strategically integrated trees can support livestock health and welfare, farm productivity, soil and water management, and long-term landscape resilience.
Participants will gain practical insights into selecting trees for different farming objectives, integrating trees into grazing and agricultural landscapes, and managing the challenges associated with establishing trees on working farms.
The event forms part of the Make Your Hectare Count project, delivered in collaboration with Regen WA and supported by funding from the Western Australian Government’s State NRM Program. Additional support has been provided by GeoCatch through the Australian Government’s Climate Smart Program under the Natural Heritage Trust, and the WA Landcare Network UnConference Program through funding from Lotterywest.
Day Two, Friday 7 August | Growing Nature: Shelterbelts, Trees and Biodiversity
This session focuses specifically on shelterbelts and habitat corridors for shade, shelter, wind protection and biodiversity. The practical, evidence-based field day will focus on the design, establishment and maintenance of shelterbelts and biodiversity corridors using endemic species suited to the local landscape.
Participants will explore how well-designed shelterbelts can provide shade, shelter and wind protection, while also strengthening biodiversity, creating habitat and improving connectivity across farming landscapes.
The day includes a field walk and an examination of existing shelterbelts, with a discussion covering species selection, design, and practical establishment and maintenance techniques.
This session forms part of the Lower Blackwood LCDC Enhancing Farm Biodiversity project, which is supported by funding from the Western Australian Government’s State NRM Program.
Each workshop has been developed as a standalone event, allowing participants to attend either day or both, depending on their interests and property objectives. A reduced ticket price is available for participants attending the full two-day course.
