Jeremy and his wife Jess were both raised on small farms and had a dream of providing their children with a similar upbringing. They sought a lifestyle property that would allow them to grow their own food, connect with nature, and foster a sense of self-sufficiency. With a shared passion for sustainable living, they embarked on a journey to transform their land into a thriving ecosystem.
“Having the space to cultivate our own food and experience the beauty of nature is incredibly important to us,” Jeremy explained. “As time went on, I became increasingly interested in regenerative agriculture and biodiversity. I wanted to create a property that not only supported our family but also contributed to the health of the environment.”
To achieve their goals, Jeremy and his family joined a local Landcare group. This provided them with invaluable knowledge, resources, and funding to implement their plans. One of their primary objectives was to restore connectivity on their property by linking existing dams and a wetland with native vegetation corridors.
“By planting native species like Manna Gum, Messmate Stringybark, Blackwood and Prickly Tea-tree, we are helping to restore the ecological integrity of the land,” Jeremy said. “These corridors not only provide habitat for wildlife but also improve water quality and reduce erosion.”
To establish these corridors efficiently, the family employed direct seeding techniques. This method allowed them to plant many trees and shrubs without the need for individual planting. However, they faced challenges from native wildlife, such as wallabies and koalas, that were eager to feast on the young plants.
To protect their seedlings, Jeremy and his family experimented with different tree covers. They found that tree sleeves were particularly effective in deterring wallabies from accessing the foliage. As the trees grew taller, the wallabies could no longer reach them, eliminating the problem.
The biodiversity corridor, a 20-meter-wide strip of native vegetation, serves as a vital link between the dams and wetland. By using direct seeding techniques, the family has successfully established a diverse range of native plants. This corridor not only provides connectivity between habitats but also plays a crucial role in improving water quality.
Since purchasing the property Jeremy has kept a detailed list of species observed on his lifestyle farm. This list will serve as a valuable tool for monitoring the success of their regenerative efforts. By tracking changes in biodiversity over time, Jeremy can assess the impact of their actions on the local ecosystem.
“Sharing our story and inspiring others to join the regenerative movement is something Kristy our Landcare Facilitator has encouraged us to do. ” Jeremy said. “By documenting our progress through photos, we hope to help motivate more landholders to adopt sustainable practices and become involved in Landcare.”
Jeremy and his family’s journey towards regenerative living is a testament to the power of collaboration and dedication. Through their efforts, they have not only created beautiful and sustainable property but have also contributed to the health of the local environment. Their story serves as an inspiration for others who seek to live in harmony with nature.
If you or someone you know is interested in Landcare, you can contact the local Landcare Facilitator, on the details below.
Kristy Brewer
Landcare Facilitator
Southwest Environment Alliance
P: 0413 718 875
E: facilitator@sealliance.org.au
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