Em Nau Farm BLOG

Em Nau is part of “Land for Wildlife” 

A recent visit to a property that is part of the Land for Wildlife program got Heather and I thinking of what we could do to improve the habitat for native animals on the farm.

We have many native animal visitors that wander through the place from time to time, the ‘roos and wallabies, the echidnas, wild ducks, kookaburras, egrets, parrot and galahs just to mention a few. 

As over half our property would be covered by native vegetation we thought that if we joined the Land for Wildlife program we could benefit from the many things the program offers, such as:

·         Assessment of our property by the Councils Environment Officers;

·         Access to free native flora and fauna management advice.

·         Aerial maps of Em Nau;

·         Advice on revegetation, weed control, pest animal control and ecological processes;

·         Any relevant newsletters from Council or other bodies;

·         The opportunity to attend free workshops, field days and meet other like-minded landholders;

·         Other incentives to create, improve and protect wildlife habitat (free trees, nest box or publication); and

·         The ability to access to LFW grants (up to a maximum of $750 per year).

We thought not only would we get a benefit but we could contribute to the survival of plants and animals that may have once inhabited larger areas of the region as well as providing a safe link for wildlife to transverse between the various reserves and properties around our farm.

The best thing about all this is that it is free to join the program since our land is over 1 hectare (2.5 acres) and contains at least that area in native vegetation.

Anyway once the decision was made by us to apply for Land for Wildlife status we got in contact with the local Council, who did a desktop audit and then made an appointment to visit the farm and have a look at what we could do “on the ground” to improve the habitat.

This walk around took place on the 17^th of February and after walking from the top to bottom of the farm, discussing weeds, native flora and fauna, pests we were given the “big green sign” to show we are part of Land for Wildlife.

It may not seem a big thing being part of this but to us it is a way we can give back to the Community by helping to preserve and rehabilitate some of the natural vegetation in the area.  The program is non-binding on us – meaning we can opt out if we want, but who would want to do that when the benefits are so obvious.

Until next time “live your dash” and take care