Private Land Conservation Grants

Margaret McBride of White Leeds Arid Wetlands in Broken Hill is one of 56 individuals and groups who received a 2017 Private Land Conservation Grant for outstanding conservation efforts. Margaret received funds over three years for projects assisting bush regeneration, including weed control, and activities supporting the recovery of threatened species.

“White Leeds is dedicated to conserving endemic and threatened native species and developing an environmental playground for research and education,” says project coordinator Grant Smith. “Along with the natural regeneration that has occurred, current funding will assist in improving the natural habitat for flora and fauna where pepper trees have been removed and also other degraded areas of the property as outlined in our grant application. Already we have seen a sharp increase in species and breeding recorded on White Leeds.”

“This Broken Hill property has a Conservation Agreement with the NSW Office of Environment & Heritage for two protected 100ha areas and is recognized as a Wildlife Refuge. This grant will help Margaret realise her plans for conservation on her own land.” said FNPW CEO Ian Darbyshire.

Having bought their beautiful property on the Central Coast (Wamberal) of New South Wales in 2001, Tom and Ann Raine were quick to notice the original bushland area was covered in several noxious, damaging weeds. They immediately set about transforming their once 4.5 hectares of grassy paddocks and run-down bushland into part native garden and restored bushland –  with the most apt of names  – ‘Rainridge Wildlife Refuge’.

The Raines’ received a grant over three years from 2013 to 2016, to restore a significant wildlife area on their land. As a result, Tom and Ann were able to engage a bush regeneration company to carefully clear large areas of thick, weedy bush, which has allowed native plants to flourish. This has had a dramatically positive flow on effect to the animals that were native to the area, as it encouraged them back. Some of these impressive animals include: wallabies, possums, Beautiful Firetails and around 40 other Australian birds.

The removal of the thick privet and Lantana weeds has reduced the number of Bell Mynas, which while a native species, can aggressively take over areas and lead to the die back of eucalyptus trees which are necessary for the survival of other native species.

Tom and Ann have done an outstanding job transforming their property into a haven for native plants and animals. They often run open days, host bushcare groups and have even been featured on the ABC program Gardening Australia.

Mrs Raine said they had managed to preserve the bush on their 4.5ha property with this funding boost.

“Without the grant it would have been much harder and not as effective,” she said in 2015, the final year of the grant.   We came here years ago and a lot of the bush was cleared and what wasn’t had lantana, privet and other environmental weeds. We have cleared and regenerated but still have parts that haven’t been cleared and that’s why the grants have been very helpful.  It is good to get the extra help as we need to do as much to preserve the environment as we can.”

Throughout the years they have planted more than 3000 trees. As a result of the regeneration, native plants are flourishing. This also has a flow-on effect to the native animals and encourages them back into the area.

Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife Chief Executive Ian Darbyshire said it was wonderful to see what PLC grant recipients achieve with a little support.

“They are doing an absolutely outstanding job to ensure their properties are havens for native plants and animals and creating green corridors for safe passage for wildlife,” he said.