On 19 June, the latest AMMO (Australian Mohair Marketing Organisation) Field Day in was held near Braidwood, generously hosted by Nolani McColl and Peter Munday.
We started the day by the fireplace, where Penny Cooper and I unpacked the science behind landscape rehydration. We discussed how land managers can take control of their small water cycle using plants as key drivers to improve water availability locally rather than relying solely on the global water cycle. The group brought fantastic energy and insights to these discussions.
Afterwards, we explored the property to see these principles in action. Nolani showed us their methods, such as laying brush across previously scalded patches now thriving with mosses, forbs and grasses, and strategically placing fallen trees to slow water flow and reduce erosion along saline gullies.
After some delicious homemade soup, we made mini brush packs to slow water in a drainage line near the driveway; a satisfying team effort to store moisture and sediment as vegetation establishes.
We finished the day with a demonstration on using a laser level to mark out a contour, another low-cost technique to promote water infiltration and vegetation growth.
Thank you to Nolani and Peter for being wonderful hosts, and to Grant Forsdick, Chairman of AMMO, for his support in organising the event as part of the Australian Mohair Industry Drought Resilience Implementation Plan (AMIDRIP). These workshops are made possible thanks to funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund. See you at the next one!
Sharni Pike, Landscape Planner
(pictured right: Doug and Peter marking out a contour with the laser level).
Click on photos to enlarge. 1: Noting the well-vegetated channel bed, where trees and brush have been placed to slow dam overflow, 2: Mini brush packs staked in place, 3: Demonstrating how to set up and use a laser level, 4: Working together to cut and bundle brush to slow water flow through the drainage line.
