The East Tamar field trip began with a visit to Summerlea Farm near Lilydale where plating has been undertaken to protect Giant Freshwater Crayfish habitat along the river. Lauren from NRM North spoke to us about Giant Freshwater Crayfish and the work that NRM North is doing with landowners in the area to protect the species.
Image: Lauren from NRM North © Kat Traill
Image: Lauren with crayfish!© Kat Traill
Next we visited Greenside, the property of the Baxter family, who shared with us the sustainable agriculture projects and principles they are implementing on their farm. Will even treated us to a farm tour by drone and gave us an insight into how they use technology to run their farm more efficiently and sustainably.
Image: © Kat Traill
Image: © Kat Traill
We particularly liked Will's no-nonsense approach to biochar making and were impressed with the ingenuity of some of the farm equipment he has built or adapted himself. Brian and Jenny spoke of the work they have done over the years as key members of East Tamar Landcare.
Image: © Kat Traill
We concluded the visit to their farm with a walk along the boardwalk the group has built along Pipers River.
Images: © Kat Traill
Next stop was lunch at Jansz Winery where we were treated to a wine tasting and enjoyed our packed lunches in picturesque surroundings.
Image: The generous Janz winery © Kat Traill
Image: Enjoying lunch in the sun! © Kat Traill
Images: Transforming plastic waste at Environex © Kat Traill
A big thanks to NRM North, Greenside Farm, Janz vineyard, Environex and all who made this special trip a success!
Overall it was a fabulous day with lots of learning and connections formed between group participants. Some of the most valuable insights perhaps came from conversations on the bus and it was great for Landcarers working across different areas to come together and share knowledge and ideas.
Images: The riverwalk © Kat Traill
