General News
5 January, 2023
Babbler connections
The Grey-crowned Babbler (Pomatostomus temporalis) is a noisy and gregarious bird, usually found in small groups of four to twelve, and is often seen on the ground or in low trees. It is sometimes called the Yahoo, after one of its calls. Overall...
The Grey-crowned Babbler (Pomatostomus temporalis) is a noisy and gregarious bird, usually found in small groups of four to twelve, and is often seen on the ground or in low trees. It is sometimes called the Yahoo, after one of its calls. Overall populations have declined 95 per cent since European settlement.
LODDON Plains Landcare Network and local landholders have been successful in receiving philanthropic funding from the Ross Trust.
The initial three-year project will combine conservation, agriculture, and the emerging carbon markets to protect and enhance the local biodiversity. The project is supported by the Wettenhall Environment Trust, the Wetland Revival Trust and the North Central Catchment Management Authority.
The project will identify and enhance remnant high-value biodiversity assets on private land that will provide the best prospects to connect habitat for the Grey -crowned Babbler (Pomatostomus temporalis) listed as vulnerable along with many other locally significant animals.
The project aims to re-connect existing linear habitat in farmland, along roadsides and creek lines, by widening buffers, replanting with appropriate vegetation, pest plant and animal control and exclusion fencing. We hope we can increase habitat for these birds so there are connections between the Leaghur State Park and the waterways which cross through local farmland, while not impacting productive agricultural land.
A community gathering was held at a shearing shed in Loddon Vale. There was a great turnout of interested local landholders keen to learn more about the project and how they could get involved.
LPLN was joined by Danny Pettingill of Regen Farmers Mutual (RFM), a farmer-owned mutual that brings together the emerging markets of carbon credits with biodiversity and strategic farm management to leverage opportunities.
LPLN is looking to get as many landholders onboard the project as possible but is really pleased about the community aspirations for the project saying “it was really pleasing to see so many interested locals wanting to get involved in this exciting project with 6 landholders wanting their land to be used.
Given the flood impact and timing of the meeting we expect more community support and more landholders wanting to participate going forward.
Local farmer Jo Bear has summed up the project and recent community meeting, saying: “The project resonated with a lot of our farmers in the Canary Island area and after the meeting, I think we are excited about the opportunity as a group to create some fabulous environmental outcomes.
“There was much discussion at the meeting about the introduction of trees into the Chenopod grasslands; our predominant native pastures have no trees historically.
“The question was asked at the meeting: are we being environmentally responsible in planting trees or do we acknowledge that we are working with an evolving landscape that must adapt to changes in climate and conditions?
“All recognised the importance of trees in farming - windbreaks, providing shade, cooling soils and increasing biodiversity. We were all keen to promote the habitat of the little bird.
“There was also much interest in the topic of carbon offsets and farming, and we were all open to further discussion of using this project to learn about carbon offsets.
“We also enjoyed the chance to catch up with each other. There has been a lot happening over the past few months and so it was just lovely to take the time for a chat with our neighbours. We hope that this project can encourage more connection in 2023,” she said.
- WILL SANSON
Loddon Plains Landcare Network facilitator