Landcare Tasmania's 7th Member Outreach BBQ (MOB) was held 27 October in Meander and was once again successful in helping local Landcare get to know each other, share their experiences and learn new ways of going about their Landcare work.  

This MOB focused on the practical production values of native shelterbelts, their associated benefits for biodiversity, and the ins and outs of trapping to control feral cats.  Around 40 people from 17 Landcare groups plus individuals attended.

Native Shelterbelts

Our walk and talk for the Meander MOB took place on the property of Brian and Michele Lawrence, who have established a number of shelterbelts as part of their farm.

Brian (at right, hand out) and Michele spoke about the benefits of creating native shelterbelts for their farm. These include:

• reduced impact of wind on soil moisture
• benefits to stock from access to shade when hot and warmth near shelterbelts when cold
• shelter for insect eating birds
• shelter for bees that provide pollination to crops

Brian and Michele also shared their experience in configuring shelterbelts for maximum benefit, including being of sufficient width and including smaller trees and shrubs. This was subject of alot of discussion, from both farmers and others.

When they are not busy on their farm, Brian and Michele volunteer in their local Deloraine Landcare Group. A big thanks to Brian and Michele for taking time out of a busy farm day to share their experience.

Social BBQ

The morning's walk worked up an appetite for a hearty BBQ cooked up by Landcare Tas volunteers from our Members Council, and supported by Meander Valley Council. There were lots of great discussions as people got to know each other and hear about their approach to their Landcare issues.

Feral Cats

The afternoon concluded with a presentation from Kevin (bearded below) and Tessa Knowles (on the laptop) on the practical ins and outs of trapping feral cats. Kevin's experience over a number of years provided valuable insights into the do and don'ts of trapping, right down to the brand of cat food these unwanted felines prefer.

There was alot of discussion about the effectiveness of different types of traps. Dean Brampton of Bronte Park Landcare Group brought along one of his own designs that's proved effect, and can be made from readily sourced material.