Back in February, on a hot summer’s day, Mulloon Institute (MI) welcomed 35 landholders and community members to a Landscape Rehydration Field Day in Uralla.
Pictured above: Participants learn to ‘Read the Landscape’ at Mulloon Institute’s Uralla Field Day.
Gathering at Kentucky Memorial Hall, Mulloon Institute’s Landscape Planners Annabel and Sharni introduced participants to MI’s mission to restore degraded catchments across Australia through science-based, farmer-led solutions. Drawing on case studies from around the country, participants learned how working with natural processes can rebuild soil function, increase water retention and strengthen long-term agricultural productivity.
The morning session explored Mulloon’s farm-scale approach to landscape rehydration. We unpacked the key drivers of landscape function and examined how erosion develops when those elements fall out of balance.
We then headed to Kentucky Creek to practise the essential skill of “Reading the Landscape.” By observing channel form, vegetation patterns, soil condition and water movement, participants worked together to interpret what the creek revealed about the surrounding landscape’s health and function.
Pictured right: Annabel and Sharni present Mulloon’s work around Australia.
After lunch, we visited a nearby property where landholders Sonia and Ted generously shared their experience managing gully erosion. The group explored practical considerations for regenerative works, alongside the broader benefits of rehydration such as improved pasture resilience, greater drought buffering, healthier catchment function and enhanced habitat for native species.
The day concluded with an introduction to MI’s Landscape Rehydration Toolbox: practical structures and strategies designed to slow, spread and sink water to support long-term landscape recovery.
This event supports the Regional Drought Resilience Plan, a collaboration between Armidale Regional Council and Uralla Shire Council, and was proudly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments through the Future Drought Fund, in partnership with local councils and Southern New England Landcare.
Pictured right: Participants gather at a local landholder’s property to discuss structures and strategies for treating gully erosion.
