Farmers, landholders and rural professionals will have the opportunity to learn from one of Australia’s leading agroforestry educators when Lower Blackwood Land Conservation District Committee and GeoCatch present a two-day course in the Margaret River region this August.
Trees that Work: Building Productive, Resilient and Biodiverse Farming Landscapes will be presented by nationally renowned agroforester, educator, author and farmer Rowan Reid. The course comprises two complementary but distinctly different workshops.
Day One (Growing Value: Trees for Productive Farms) focuses on the 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, whole-farm planning 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.
Day Two (Growing Nature: Shelterbelts, Trees and Biodiversity) focuses specifically on shelterbelts and habitat corridors for shade, shelter, wind protection and biodiversity.
This 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, habitat connectivity, and practical establishment and maintenance techniques.
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.
Rowan Reid is one of Australia’s leading voices in agroforestry and farm forestry, with more than four decades of experience in practical tree growing, farmer education and on-ground extension. He is the author of Heartwood: The Art and Science of Growing Trees for Conservation and Profit, developed Australia’s first undergraduate agroforestry course, and founded the Australian Master TreeGrower Program.
Alongside his expertise in productive agroforestry, Rowan specialises in the design and establishment of shelterbelts that support farm productivity, livestock welfare, biodiversity and habitat connectivity.
His approach recognises both the benefits and the real-world challenges of incorporating trees into working farms. Rather than promoting a one-size-fits-all model, Rowan encourages landholders to begin by identifying the particular needs and opportunities on their own property.
“Every farm is different, and farmers know their own land, livestock and production systems best,” said Lower Blackwood LCDC Program Manager Rebecca Archer.
“These workshops are designed to build on that knowledge. Rowan brings decades of practical experience and helps landholders consider how trees, shelterbelts and habitat corridors can be planned around their property, production goals and local landscape.”
“While the two days are connected by the broader role of trees in farming landscapes, they have intentionally different purposes,” Ms Archer added.
“Participants can choose the workshop most relevant to their interests or attend both to gain a broader understanding of productive agroforestry and biodiversity-focused shelterbelts.”
Both workshops will provide an opportunity to connect with other farmers, landholders and rural professionals, while sharing practical experiences and ideas from across the region.
Morning tea and lunch are included each day.
Event details
Day One: Growing Value — Trees for Productive Farms
Thursday 6 August 2026, 9.00 am–4.00 pm CBCo, Osmington Road, Margaret River
Day Two: Growing Nature — Shelterbelts, Trees and Biodiversity
Friday 7 August 2026, 9:30 am–2.30 pm TBC
Tickets
Single-day tickets: $50 plus GST each
Two-day ticket: $75 plus GST
Bookings are essential, visit https://lowerblackwood.com.au/events/trees-that-work-with-rowan-reid
To hear more from Rowan before the workshops, listen to Lower Blackwood’s recent podcast, Talkin’ Diversity & Farm Productivity with Rowan Reid: https://lowerblackwood.com.au/podcast-recording-talkin-diversity-farm-productivity-with-rowan-reid/
Day One 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 forms part of the Lower Blackwood LCDC Enhancing Farm Biodiversity project, supported by funding from the Western Australian Government’s State NRM Program.
For further information, contact Lower Blackwood LCDC Program Manager Rebecca Archer at rebecca.archer@lowerblackwood.com.au.
