Water Retention for Landscape Resilience (Gooseberry Hill)

This workshop is designed for small landholders eager to learn how to retain water, keep blocks greener for longer, increase fire resistance, withstand hot and dry periods, and enhance productivity and soil health through landscape rehydration principles.

The objective of this workshop is to equip small landholders with the skills and knowledge to:

1.  Capture and store winter rains on their block so it’s available to plants and animals each summer
2.  Slow run-off from rainfall and cleverly redistribute it to soak into soil
3.  Identify potential erosion zones and stop soil loss
4.  Maintain groundcover to support soil biology through dry periods and slow surface water flow
5.  Maintain and utilise living roots to make the most of new-season rainfall
6.  Increase the density of tree canopy to keep houses and gardens cooler

Plus, you get to meet up with your neighbours!

As South West WA's climate grows hotter and drier, retaining water in the landscape becomes more and more imperative. The Kadina Brook catchment, where water literally drains away, is one area that stands to greatly benefit from rehydration interventions. Retaining our water will help trees, gardens, paddocks and invisible soil biome access in-ground moisture, allowing them to thrive through extreme weather.

The workshop is presented by hydrologist Lance Mudgway of the Mulloon Institute. Lance will demonstrate how simple changes to our blocks and public water courses can vastly improve our landscape health.

This process is not about building large dams or sinking bores. It is about small, achievable interventions that can slow surface water flow and hold it in the soil.

You will leave with practical information about the simple steps we can all take on our properties. Our community can play an active role in transforming the Kadina Brook valley, and that helps us all!

While designed to offer maximum impact for residents of the Kadina Brook catchment, the principles explored throughout this workshop can be applied to any South West WA landscape.

Book your place today, noting capacity is very limited!

When: March 28, 9:00am - 2:00pm. Please arrive between 8:30am and 9:00am to register and grab a cuppa on arrival.
Where: Gooseberry Hill
Cost: $50, includes morning tea and lunch
What to bring: Bring sturdy footwear, sun protection, a water bottle, mug/cup, and a camping chair (some will be provided).
Accessibility: Access to the main venue is via sealed driveway, and there is a minor step to toilet. Site visit to nearby paddock on firm dry grassed land and to local stream via sealed road and dirt tracks. May be useful to bring a companion.

This event is supported by the Australian Government through funding from the Natural Heritage Trust under the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program and delivered by Perth NRM Inc., a member of the Commonwealth Regional Delivery Partners panel.