The Yass Habitat Linkages Project is a decade-long initiative funded by the NSW Environmental Trust through its Bush Connect program. The funding was matched by in-kind contributions from landholders across the district to establish new areas of vegetation on their properties. The Yass Area Network of Landcare Groups (YAN) is the project manager and most of the organisation and on-ground work was undertaken by Greening Australia, whose people did an excellent job, helped by many volunteers.
Partners included the Australian River Restoration Centre, Land for Wildlife, Local Land Services, and Yass Valley Council. Since its inception in 2016, the project has made significant strides toward enhancing biodiversity and promoting sustainable agriculture in the Yass region. As we reach the final stages, recent monitoring results highlight the project’s success and provide a glimpse into its future.
Connecting Landscapes: The Heart of the Project
The primary aim of the Yass Habitat Linkages Project is to connect patches of existing vegetation, fostering a network that supports both biodiversity and sustainable agricultural practices. This effort not only involves physical interventions such as planting and fencing but has also focussed on raising community awareness through workshops, field days and seminars and encouraging sustainable practices among local landholders.
Achievements Surpassing Targets
The project's progress has been notable, often exceeding its initial targets:
- Landholder Participation: The project initially aimed to engage 25 landholders. To date, 53 landholders have actively participated demonstrating the strong community support for the initiative.
- Conservation Agreements: 93 voluntary and non-binding agreements have been established, protecting a total of 3767 hectares—an impressive feat compared to our targets.
- Tubestock Planting: The project planted 30,460 tubestock.
- Direct Seeding: Aiming to seed 100 kilometres of tree lines, the project has seeded 155 kilometres.
- Protected Areas: Fencing has protected 346 hectares, and the total protected habitat area stands at 1644 hectares, well above the 1500-hectare target.
Monitoring Results: A Flourishing Ecosystem
Recent monitoring efforts have provided insights into the ecological impact of the Yass Habitat Linkages Project. Photo comparisons from various stages of the project show a transformation in the landscape with plant survival rates of 60-80 per cent. Areas that were once degraded and devoid of vegetation now teem with life and greenery, illustrating the project's success in habitat restoration.
Bird Populations: One of the most heartening outcomes has been the increase in bird populations, particularly woodland and small birds such as the Golden and Rufous Whistlers. After the coastal bushfires in 2019/20 the sighting of increased numbers of Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos suggesting that these areas have provided shelter and alternative food sources for these displaced populations.
Native Wildlife: Reports of other native wildlife making use of these areas have also been reported.
Agricultural Benefits: Beyond ecological gains, the project has provided tangible benefits to local agriculture. Windbreaks created by the new plantings offer shelter for lambing ewes, enhancing livestock survival rates in open country. Plantings have proven effective in repairing washed-out gullies, reducing soil erosion, and improving land quality.
Looking Ahead: Sustaining Momentum
The Yass Habitat Linkages Project stands as a testament to what can be achieved through collaboration and community involvement. As we move forward, the focus will be on sustaining this momentum, continuing to monitor and support the thriving ecosystems that have been created.
Community Involvement: A Key to Success
The success of the Yass Habitat Linkages Project would not have been possible without the enthusiastic participation of the local community, particularly the landholders and volunteers who undertook this work. Their commitment to conservation and sustainable practices has been instrumental in achieving and surpassing the project’s goals. Moving forward, ongoing community engagement and education will remain a cornerstone legacy of the project, ensuring that the benefits of this initiative are both far-reaching and long-lasting.
The project hosted field days and workshops that highlighted the integration of native vegetation into farming systems. By showcasing the benefits—such as improved livestock shelter, enhanced pasture health, and increased beneficial insects and birds for natural pest control—the initiative aimed to shift mindsets toward recognising that what's good for the environment is also good for farming.
The Yass Habitat Linkages Project is a great example of how government and community partnerships can drive meaningful change. Through collaboration, we've transformed the landscapes into more diverse and connected ecosystems, boosted bird and wildlife populations, and provided direct benefits to local agriculture. The project’s success demonstrates that when we work together, we can create a healthier environment and stronger farming systems, paving the way for a sustainable future.
Written by Sarah McGrath, YAN Coordinator & Charles Willcocks, Project Manager (for further information email:[email protected])
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Yass Habitat Linkages project is supported by the NSW Government thorugh the NSW Environmental Trust through a partnership with Yass Area Network of Landcare Groups and Greening Australia.
