The last workshop in Murrumbidgee Landcare’s Western Riverina Seed Workshop Series on Wednesday brought together a group of dedicated landholders, conservationists, and seed enthusiasts to deepen their knowledge of native species seed.

Martin Driver, PlainSense Vegetation Management outlined the where, when and how of native seed identification and collection.

Through combined theory and paddock walks, participants gained valuable knowledge and skills including licensing requirements, seed data and tracking, and the importance of species selection and local seed provenance for revegetation activities.

“The day offered an appreciation for the complexity and importance of native seed work, as well as providing practical knowledge for one’s own conservation efforts,” Murrumbidgee Landcare Bidgee West Local Landcare Coordinator Jenny Dwyer said.

Being hosted at Stahmann Webster Walnuts Australia Tabbita Orchard allowed attendees to visit the on-site, 20-year-old, direct-seeded revegetation site to observe firsthand that a bare paddock can be transformed into biodiverse bushland.

Cassie Douglas from the Biodiversity Conservation Trust also outlined what the Biodiversity Conservation Trust can offer private landholders to enhance and conserve biodiversity on their property.

The Western Riverina Seed Workshop Series has planted the seeds for conservation and successful future native species restoration projects across the Western Riverina landscape.

The workshops were possible thanks to the shared work of Landcare NSW and the Biodiversity Conservation Trust raising awareness and supporting private land conservation efforts across the state.

This article appeared in The Riverine Grazier, 20 November 2024.