Corowa District Landcare

What is a Single Paddock Tree?
A single paddock tree, is an isolated tree within a productive landscape that is not close to other remnant vegetation. Basically a single tree in the middle of the paddock without a partner.
 
Why does the Single Paddock Tree need a Wife?
Our Single Paddock tree needs a partner, or a group of friends around it to boost biodiversity within its immediate area. This will result in more birds, insects, better water filtration and health of the single paddock tree.



Why are Single Paddock Trees Important to you and me?
Each single paddock tree is a living eco-system bound to the earth by its roots- it has seen more than the one generation of farmer and with some foresight it will be a productive anchor for our future.

Paddock trees are a keystone element within our landscape. The next generation of these trees is visibly absent. With a tree taking up to 150 years to mature, we need to act now. (Mason Crane, ANU)
  
Every year in our district, old trees, trees with hollows, trees that have been around long before European settlement are being lost through active clearing, accidental burning and simple neglect. 

It has been predicted that within 120 years, unless protected, scattered paddock trees will disappear from our farming landscape. (Mason Crane, ANU)
 
We want to seed the thought and engage broad-acre cropping farmers to the value of conserving paddock trees, for both biodiversity and farming outcomes.

Paddock trees provide important nesting sites and act as a stepping stone for a wide variety of birds, mammals and insects within our landscape. (Mason Crane, ANU)


  
How will we do this?
We will work with farmers who have volunteered to participate in the project and have nominated a paddock tree for protecting. Specifically selected for its value within the landscape, with the help of Paddock Tree expert Mason Crane (ANU), we will – protect it, revegetate around it and monitor outcomes. 

The farmers that volunteer are our “champions”. They will be showcased in a series of case studies, so that other farmers can see how over time this process can increase biodiversity and production outcomes. 
 
STRETCH Goal......
If we receive pledges over and above our funding goal of $10,555, we will post a Paddock Tree Billboard: Single Paddock Tree Needs a Wife. Quotes to date, stand at about $5,500, however you never know, perhaps we may receive some generous in-kind support from a large Billboard company?? Hint Hint......
  
Who are our Farming Champions?

Eric Lavis, Roseleigh.

Whilst Eric looks like a rebel from times long past, he is passionate about sustainable farming systems and was the first to put up his hand to protect his tree, meet Mr School …..

I look over the boundary fence into a paddock with only three Kurrajong trees about 300 meters away. They seem to get ALL the company from the neighbour’s cattle and bird life! WHAT ABOUT ME! A small corner with some company would be fine! Sniff, sniff, I'm Lonely!

Natasha Lappin, ‘The Block”.
Natasha and her family have a small block of land where they are working to protect the existing ancient Grey Box trees that are scattered through their paddocks.

 “Each tree is unique and has its own character. Each one of them has their own story to tell.
These trees were once part of a diverse woodland system where their neighbors were only a short branch away and now they stand alone. We need to make sure they feel like part of a woodland family again”.

A Moment in Time

Your pledges will be very much appreciated by not only us, but the insects, birds and mammals that rely on these elderly statesmen within our landscape. 

Fencing 10 m out from the dripline of a single paddock tree. Approx 120m per tree= $840
Revegetating 400 sq m of area (clearing weeds, tubestock, guards etc.) = $60
Putting up fence incidental costs, hire of equipment etc. = $100
Our funding goal allows for five trees to be protected.

Paddock Tree Expert - Fee to advise re: selection of trees and aspects to consider when revegetating around, and protecting particular trees. $1,000

Champion Case Studies - Researching, writing and publishing $1,500
  
Rewards – $1,000. Includes cost of items, not directly involved in the project. Eg. Postcards $500 (includes postage), scones and tea ($60 a batch) and a thank you gift for the grand-daughter of the tar pot girl for her time and family secrets!

Co-ordination Costs - $1,000

Pozible and Landcare Australia Fee - $1,055

If you have any questions on the budget or how we arrived at these figures, please drop us a line.

STRETCH Goal: Any additional pledges above and beyond our funding goal of $10,555, will go towards a Billboard promoting the protection of Single Paddock Trees within our landscape. (estimated cost $5,500)

Using the technological knowledge that we have (little), to extract single images from the Time Lapse video. (Team member Joanne is reading the How To booklet right now!)

Our Billboard is dependent on pledges above and beyond our funding goal and approvals by Council and RTA. But costs supplied from sign makers round out at $5,500.

Another challenge is how we reach your friends, friends! We’d love for you to share our story with them. Please!