Landholder booklet protects nature and biodiversity

Biodiversity and remnant bushland will be saved thanks to a new guide produced by Nature Conservation Margaret River Region to assist people moving to the Margaret River region.

The Your Guide for Protecting the Environment on Your Property is available free in print or online, designed for anyone who has moved or is moving to the region – or as a refresher for existing residents.

A clear and concise guide, it’s packed with a range of management advice including land clearing and disturbance, dealing with weeds and dieback, protecting wildlife and biodiversity, your legal requirements, where to get the best advice and contractors, and how Nature Conservation Margaret River Region can help. It’s the conservation bible for all landowners.

The new booklet was funded by local boutique building company Holst Design and Build. Directors Jarrod Holst and his partner Liz McGuire found new residents were commissioning homes, but didn’t always know how to manage the natural assets on their blocks or look after the remnant habitat on their new property. The couple live on a conservation block at Yelverton and are passionate environmental advocates – Jarrad grew up surfing and camping along the WA coast, while Liz spent two decades protecting the state’s marine and national parks.

“These large properties ae being purchased by people who aren’t always aware and need some information about protecting bushland and biodiversity. It’s about planting the seed with them,” said Ms McGuire. “It’s about working with them for a good outcome for the environment.”

Copies of the booklet will be stocked by some local real estate agents, handed out by Holst and given to residents moving to the area. For your copy, pop into the Nature Conservation office or better yet save the paper and download it HERE.

The booklet was created by local environmental advocate Genevieve Hanran-Smith and Nature Conservation officer Peta Lierich, who runs the For Nature Landholder Stewardship Program. The program is all about helping landholders with the knowledge, inspiration and connections to give nature a helping hand at their place. Registering is free and comes with loads of benefits, like free equipment hire, free workshop tickets and grants for conservation work at your place.

A big thanks to photographers Paris Hawkin, Sean Blocksidge, Keith Lightbody, Christian Fletcher, Ari Wolfe, Rusty Rouse and Steve Castan for allowing us to use their amazing photos of the region and its flora and fauna, and to Ecosystem Solutions for their help.