Linking learners with farmers

LandLearn's new biodiversity audit tool 'Biodiversity Up Close' was put to the test recently by Grade 5 and 6 students from Tatura Primary School.

The students participated in activities both in and outside the classroom, which included a powerpoint lesson on the value of biodiversity in an agricultural landscape, a cartoon exercise on the benefits of tree planting for different community groups and a weeds activity. They also practised using the biodiversity audit tool in their school ground before assessing a local farmer's property.

Students assessed different components of an area on the local farm including environmental weeds, understorey, canopy cover, the number of large trees, organic litter and soil management. The assessment gave students valuable information which they used to develop an action plan with a list of recommendations to be given to the farmer to help improve the biodiversity on his land. Some of the recommendations included weed eradication, pest monitoring and maintenance, and planting indigenous trees and shrubs.

The final activity in an educational unit where students learned about the benefits of biodiversity in agriculture was a planting day held on the farmer's property.

The farmer was able to successfully apply for a Tree Growing Incentive through the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) and the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority to assist with the purchase of trees and shrubs for the planting day.

Successful outcomes from the project were:

• The students have a greater awareness of the role biodiversity plays in agriculture and a better understanding of sustainable agriculture,
• Community links were formed between Tatura Primary School, the farmer and DPI,
• The landholder was able to revegetate his property with the help of many small but very capable hands!

next» Biodiversity Up Close - Part 1