The Issue
The Yass Landcare Group has completed four years of managing their signature Paddock Tree project. Funds to purchase weld mesh for either the sheep or cattle height tree guards has come from Yass SE LLS team for the last four years. Funding was reduced in 2023 thus the Yass Landcare group will have to seek other funding if this project if it is to continue past 2023.
The solution.
Jeremy Wilson and his long term partner Kate have been the key drivers behind the Yass Paddock Tree project. Jeremy estimates mesh qualities to be ordered and negotiates with potential suppliers for the best Landcare price. Jeremy is very much hands on in the roll-out of materials for this project and has learnt over the years to use machinery rather than muscle power. A planting package is provided with each tree guard and includes a locally grown climate ready Eucalyptus grown by the Yass Landcare Community Nursery volunteers.
Landholders participating in this project provide a co-contribution of $15 for each sheep height guard and $20 for each cattle height guard. The Landholder co-contributions enabled more tree guard packages to be provided under this project.
The Impact
Since 2020 which was the first year that Yass LLS funding was provided for the Yass Landcare Paddock Tree project over 1600 paddock tree guards and Eucalyptus planting packages have been planted across the Yass landscape.
Learnings
The use of machinery eg bobcat to handle heavy weldmesh rolls is vital
Using angle grinders to cut individual tree guards on moist, green paddock grass is recommended.