A single paddock tree, is an isolated tree within a productive landscape that is not close to other remnant vegetation. Basically a single tree in the middle of the paddock without a partner. Why does the Single Paddock Tree need a Wife? Our Single Paddock tree needs a partner, or a group of friends around it to boost biodiversity within its immediate area. This will result in more birds, insects,
better water filtration and health of the single paddock tree. Why are Single Paddock Trees Important to you and me? Each single paddock tree is a living eco-system bound to the earth by its roots- it has seen more than the one generation of farmer and with some foresight it will be a productive anchor for our future. Paddock trees are a keystone element within our landscape. The next generation of these trees is visibly absent. With a tree taking up to 150 years to mature, we need to act now. (Mason Crane, ANU)
Every year in our district, old trees, trees with hollows, trees that have been around long before European settlement are being lost through active clearing, accidental burning and simple neglect. It has been predicted that within 120 years, unless protected, scattered paddock trees will disappear from our farming landscape. (Mason Crane, ANU)
We want to seed the thought and engage broad-acre cropping farmers to the value of conserving paddock trees, for both biodiversity and farming outcomes. Paddock trees provide important nesting sites and act as a stepping stone for a wide variety of birds, mammals and insects within our landscape. (Mason Crane, ANU)
How will we do this? We will work with farmers who have volunteered to participate in the project and have nominated a paddock tree for protecting. Specifically selected for its value within the landscape, with the help of Paddock Tree expert Mason Crane (ANU), we will – protect it, revegetate around it and monitor outcomes. The farmers that volunteer are our “champions”. They will be showcased in a series of case studies, so that other farmers can see how over time this process can increase biodiversity and production outcomes.
