In 2026, Gunning District Landcare will be delivering two paddock tree projects across our region.
The Biala Paddock Tree Project, funded by the Biala Wind Farm Community Fund, will continue much as in previous years, supporting landholders to establish the next generation of paddock trees in the Gunning district. This project focuses on replacing ageing scattered paddock trees across our landscape.
We are excited to announce a new project, Town and Country Trees for Collector, funded by the Collector Wind Farm Community Fund. This project is trialling lighter tree guards suited to properties without stock, or with wildlife pressure, alongside the traditional stock-proof guards. The aim is to test whether these guards provide a practical and lower cost option for town blocks and blocks without stock, with the potential to roll the approach out more broadly in future years if successful.
Across both projects, we hope to establish at least 600 new native trees this autumn, our biggest year yet!
Why do paddock trees matter?
Scattered paddock trees are a defining feature of our landscape, but many of the mature trees we rely on today are ageing, with limited natural regeneration occurring under grazing conditions. According to Sustainable Farms ANU, if current trends continue, it’s possible that scattered paddock trees will disappear from the south-eastern agricultural region in as little as 40 years. Planting the next generation now helps ensure these trees, and the benefits they provide to farms and wildlife, remain part of our landscape into the future.
Paddock trees provide a wide range of benefits. On farms, they offer shelter for stock, contribute to farm productivity, and create essential habitat for birds, pollinators and other wildlife. Many species supported by paddock trees, including insect pollinators and natural pest control agents, also play an important role in supporting productive farming systems.
Planting native trees within town blocks brings important local benefits as well. Town trees provide shade, reduce wind, and help cool homes and streets during hot summers. Native plantings also create stepping-stone habitat for birds and pollinators moving between remnant woodland patches, helping reconnect fragmented landscapes. Having evolved in local conditions, native species are well suited to our climate and typically require far less watering and maintenance as opposed to exotic species.
How does the project work?
All interested participants are asked to submit an Expression of Interest by 12 April 2026. Once applications close, the Project Officer (Leah), with oversight from the Gunning District Landcare Committee, will review submissions and allocate trees and guards based on project eligibility and overall demand.
Allocations are usually confirmed by email, though you may receive a phone call as well to discuss your EOI.
Once allocations are finalised, Gunning District Landcare will issue invoices for participant co-contributions and schedule a collection day. These pickup days are always a great opportunity to meet other participants, have a chat with neighbours, and get practical advice from Landcare before planting begins. There will be a pick-up in Gunning for the Biala Paddock Tree Project.
As the Collector project is brand new this year, we are also hoping to organise a community working bee, giving participants and the broader community the chance to get hands-on experience planting and installing guards together and learn the process as a group.
What's changed this year?
Participants from previous years may notice a change to the tree guards supplied through the project.
The mesh rolls used in earlier paddock tree projects are no longer being manufactured, meaning we have needed to source an alternative supplier for 2026. After consulting with other Landcare networks, we have moved to a new guard system that arrives pre-rolled and ready to install.
The new stock-proof guards are the Murray Tree Guard from Whites Rural. These guards come in a single size, approximately 1750 mm high and 750 mm in diameter, with slightly thicker wire (5 mm compared to the previous 4 mm guards). Each guard weighs around 11.2 kg and is supplied pre-cut in bundled packs, removing the need to cut the rolls of mesh at home.
Importantly, the new guards are similarly priced to the previous large cattle and horse guards and will continue to be offered at $30 per guard for both projects. For a better look at these these guards, watch the “Protecting your paddock trees” video at the bottom of the Whites Rural product page.
For the Collector project, we are trialling a lighter guard option. The “Town” guards are Konka guards from Global Green (extra-large size, 1550 mm tall), supplied flat-packed with two hardwood stakes. These guards are designed to provide protection from wildlife and light browsing pressure and are recommended for town blocks or larger properties without stock. These will be $10 a guard, under the Town and Country Trees for Collector project.
Express your interest
We invite interested landholders to submit an Expression of Interest before Sunday 12 April 2026. Further details on eligibility and project information can be found within the application form.
Everyone in the Upper Lachlan Shire is encouraged to apply for this project. Preference will be given to applicants located within the relevant wind farm community area.
