Farmers, landholders and rural professionals have the opportunity to learn from one of Australia’s leading agroforestry educators with the Lower Blackwood Land Conservation District Committee presenting a two-day course in the Margaret River region next month.

The landcare group is hosting Trees that Work: Building Productive, Resilient and Biodiverse Farming Landscapes, presented by nationally renowned agroforester, educator, author and farmer Rowan Reid.

The course comprises two complementary workshops with day one focusing on the agroforestry and the productive integration of trees into farming systems.

Landholders will explore how strategically integrated trees can support livestock health and welfare, farm productivity, soil and water management, whole-farm planning and long-term landscape resilience.

Day two focuses specifically on shelter belts and habitat corridors for shade, shelter, wind protection and biodiversity.

Participants will explore how well-designed shelter belts can provide shade, shelter and wind protection, while also strengthening biodiversity, creating habitat and improving connectivity across farming landscapes.

Lower Blackwood program manager Rebecca Archer said every farm was different, and farmers know their own land, livestock and production systems best and these workshops were designed to build on their knowledge.

“Rowan brings decades of practical experience and helps landholders consider how trees, shelter belts and habitat corridors can be planned around their property, production goals and local landscape,” he said.

“While the two days are connected by the broader role of trees in farming landscapes, they have intentionally different purposes,” Ms Archer added.

“Participants can choose the workshop most relevant to their interests or attend both to gain a broader understanding of productive agroforestry and biodiversity-focused shelter belts.”

Both workshops will provide an opportunity to connect with other farmers, landholders and rural professionals, while sharing practical experiences and ideas from across the region and morning tea and lunch are included each day.

Single-day tickets cost $50, while the two-day tickets are $75.

For bookings or more information visit lowerblackwood.com.au/events.