Tag: Private Land Conservation Matters (PLCM) program

Private Land Conservation Matters

Ever wondered what happens to all those feedback surveys?

If you’ve attended one of the 107 Private Land Conservation Matters events in the past 18 months, you’ve likely filled out a feedback survey. Thanks to the 725 participants who shared their thoughts, we’ve gained valuable insights.

About 75% of attendees identified as “other landholder broader community including Landcare,” with 13% being BCT agreement holders. The rest were staff and presenters. Surveys showed an average 20-point increase in knowledge on a 1 to 100 scale. Some topics, like habitat augmentation, jumped from 14/100 to 49/100, highlighting areas for future focus.

Participants were overwhelmingly satisfied with relevant content, expert presenters, and that there was plenty of time for questions and socializing. However, many felt less confident in implementing what they learned or accessing resources. This feedback will shape follow-up events to better support landholders in applying their skills.

Attendees also provided ideas for future topics, ensuring the next round of events meets their needs. Many expressed gratitude for the inspiring efforts of event staff.

Here’s what some people said:

At the Paddock to Plate event in Batlow: “The knowledge of the presenters and the inspirational property” were highlights.

The Habitat Augmentation workshop in Bendemeer was praised for its “practical nature, excellent presenter, and linkage with science.”

The Cats Claw Creeper event in Tiri was valued for “connecting with local, like-minded people and learning.”

Field walks, informal settings, practical information, and good food were consistently praised. These are hallmarks of Landcare events.

PLCM Word Cloud from Feedback Surveys - 'what did you like?'

We are indeed fortunate to have a relationship with the Biodiversity Conservation Trust, which recognizes Landcare’s unique role in connecting communities and fostering biodiversity champions who support each other and the ecosystems we all depend on.

If you’ve attended an event under the Private Land Conservation Matters program and didn’t have the chance to provide some feedback we’d love to hear from you via this survey.

Provide Feedback
PLCM Acknowledgement

MAKING CONSERVATION MATTER

Join the Private Land Conservation Program

The Private Land Conservation Matters (PLCM) program, funded by the Biodiversity Conservation Trust (BCT), is making significant strides across New South Wales. With regional coordinators in place, we’ve successfully hosted 46 events, engaging 1,436 attendees, including 824 landholders. Our ambitious goal of 100 events and reaching 2,000 landholders is well within sight. 

The BCT funding is being effectively utilised in various ways, from hosting events to supporting landholders in understanding and enhancing the biodiversity on their land. These events provide a platform for landholders to share their best practices, discuss ways to protect and expand their remnants, and connect with others to build supportive networks. These connections are crucial in addressing the biodiversity crisis sweeping across our country. 

Several key themes have emerged from these events, including grazing management, feral animal control, vegetation management, regeneration strategies, seed collection and propagation, and citizen science and monitoring. To maximise the impact of these themes, PLCM will be producing case studies and resources to bridge the gap between guidelines and on-ground implementation, dispelling myths around private land conservation. 

In the coming months, Virginia Bear of Little Gecko Media will be visiting various groups to capture the action. She will gather firsthand experiences from landowners and Landcarers, documenting and sharing the knowledge gained at these events through case studies, social networks, and the PLCM events portal. 

Looking for an event in your region? Check out the PLCM events calendar at PLCM Events Calendar. Your local and regional Landcare contacts are also a great resource for up-to-date event information. 

If you are interested in supporting conservation on your land, attending a PLCM event will connect you with your local BCT representative. For those wanting to expand their knowledge, the BCT’s e-learning portal offers free online courses in conservation land management, allowing you to learn at your own pace. Visit BCT e-learning portal to start your journey. 

Managed by Landcare NSW, this project serves as a conduit to connect Landcare with the BCT across the state. For more information, contact the program manager, Suzanne Pritchard, at spritchard@landcarensw.org.au.  

We invite all members and stakeholders to participate actively in these events. Together, we can make a significant impact on our environment and contribute to a sustainable future. 

Pictured: Regenerative burn with Traditional Owners in Cobbitty