BushNewsletter of the Conservation PartnersMatters Program of the No. Department of Environment and Climate Change NSW 9

Contents From the Director General 2 Southern NSW Biodiversity Inventory 3 Photo: Renee Shepherd. The Enterprised Based Conservation Program in western NSW 4 The striking colours of Western New South Wales can be seen in this photograph of Churinga Wildlife Bush Heritage Australia 6 Refuge, west of Wilcannia. Churinga Station is one of the properties in The Enterprise Based Conservation (EBC) The International Wildlife Trust Program, initiated through West 2000 Plus. This part of comes to Australia 8 Churinga is a conservation area where reduced grazing pressure has allowed bluebush to regenerate. Fauna-friendly fencing 10 Seven properties involved in this program were gazetted as Mistletoe: friend of foe ? 12 Wildlife Refuges in 2006 as part of the ongoing support for Tackling weeds at Fal Brook 14 landholders in the program. Read about the program on pages 4 and 5. Book reviews 16

Winter 2007 From the Director General the sustainable management of our signifi cant natural and cultural heritage land, water and energy resources and values. There are currently over 1000 protect our environment and natural conservation partners across the state and cultural heritage. This expanded managing over 1.95 million hectares of role will enable us to better work with land under statutory Wildlife Refuges industry, business, the rural sector, and Conservation Agreements, as well environment groups, Aboriginal as many landholders with property communities, other key stakeholders registrations for wildlife conservation and the broader community to on their properties. respond to environmental challenges, including the potential implications of Partnerships and networks allow the climate change. sharing of experience, knowledge and resources for conservation of our Developing partnerships and natural and cultural heritage. This networks is an important part of edition of Bush Matters contains stories sharing responsibility for protecting showing diff erent aspects of land and managing our environment, management by individual landowners The Department of Environment and our natural heritage and our cultural and by non-government organisations Climate Change (DECC) is our new heritage. Everyone working together who are part of the DECC Conservation and expanded Department. Our new means we can better manage land Partners Program. Ministers are Phil Koperberg, who across New South Wales. With is the Minister for Climate Change, approximately 8% of the land area Environment and Water and Verity of the state protected and managed LISA CORBYN Firth, the Minister assisting the Minister in national parks and reserves, the Director General for Environment. complementary role of private and Department of Environment and other public lands is important in DECC has been created to enable us Climate Change NSW protecting and conserving a range of to progress reforms in and improve

When is a weed a weed? Most of us are familiar with the plant Plant ecologist Doug Benson compiled around Botany Bidens pilosa, which has a variety of a list of the plant species collected at Bay. A particularly common names, including farmer’s Botany Bay in 1770 by Joseph Banks interesting record is a friend, cobbler’s peg or pitch-forks— and Daniel Solander, the naturalists specimen of Bidens pilosa names which recognise the appearance who accompanied James Cook on the held at the Royal Botanic of its seeds and their ability to stick Endeavour. Using an unpublished list Gardens, Sydney. to clothes. It is widespread in eastern of specimen material held at the British Australia, especially in disturbed Museum together with previously The next step in the discovery bushland and has long been regarded as unavailable specimens from the National process may be DNA examination an introduced weed species from South Herbarium of NSW, there is now a list of to identify the variation within America. 132 plant species collected at Botany Bay Bidens pilosa populations within in 1770. eastern Australia and in other parts of Recent research from the Royal Botanic the world and to re-examine its status Gardens in Sydney may change that Among the specimens are many species as a native or exotic species. perception. which still occur in remnant vegetation

Conservation Partners Program Bush Matters is mailed to landholders with Email: [email protected] Conservation Agreements, Wildlife Refuges Website: www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/conservationpartners and those in Land for Wildlife or Property Postal address: Department of Environment and Climate Change NSW, Registration Programs. It can be seen in full Parks and Wildlife Group PO Box 1967, Hurstville, 1481 colour on the Conservation Partners website. Your contacts for information about the program and correspondence Could your property feature on the cover about the newsletter are: of Bush Matters? Do you have some Sally Ash 02 9585 6040 [email protected] wonderful photographs? Contact us at the Louise Brodie 02 9585 6671 [email protected] Conservation Partners Program and you may Would you like to hear about upcoming events? star in an upcoming edition. Go to the Conservation Partners website, or send us your email address

2 Bush Matters Winter 2007 Southern NSW Biodiversity Inventory

Maya Beretta, DECC Project Last spring we contacted many of the landowners in these areas, and were able to Offi cer, writes about visiting arrange visits to around 50 Wildlife Refuges. Wildlife Refuges in the south Much of the time I was accompanied by west slopes and south eastern Dieuwer Reynders, who also worked on the project for several months, by other staff highlands. from DECC and sometimes staff from the local catchment management authority. What a year! During the spring and summer of 2006-07, I visited Wildlife Refuges to meet We looked at the areas of native vegetation the owners and managers of those areas on the property and the quality of the and determine the conservation value of the habitat. We noted the presence of wildlife Wildlife Refuge network. It was fantastic —so over the entire property, as often valuable let me tell you a little about it. habitat can be found in modifi ed areas where there is little native vegetation. These visits are part of the Biodiversity It was great to meet so many landholders, Inventory Project, funded by the NSW who were a great source of information Environmental Trust. The project involves about the animals and plants on their visiting Wildlife Refuge properties in the property. In turn we were able to answer South West Slopes and the South Eastern many landholder queries, and gave Highlands Regions from spring 2006 landholders a copy of the book Wildlife on through to spring 2008. The aim of the Farms which provides a lot of background project is to meet the landholders, look at information on how to improve wildlife the conservation values on the property habitat on your property. and fi nd out how these properties and their management contributes to wildlife habitat We looked for essential habitat features such in the region. as tree hollows—large and small—as these are used by birds, bats and lizards. Scattered In the South West Slopes Region there are fallen timber is also really important as nearly 65,000 hectares proclaimed as Wildlife shelter for ground-dwelling fauna and Refuges, while in the South East Highlands, foraging habitat for birds like the threatened Wildlife Refuges cover nearly 85,000 Goanna, Sandy Falls. Photo: © DECC D Reynders. grey-crowned babbler. Wetlands and farm hectares. These properties have a range of dams can also contribute to habitat. Most land uses including high conservation value areas surveyed possessed a range of such bushland, farm dams and natural wetlands, features helping to protect our native fl ora grazing, agriculture and mining. and fauna and often provided habitat for threatened species. We also saw some wonderful native vegetation and those of you who have met me know how excited I get about plants. Even though the surveys were carried out in drought conditions, I still saw some amazing fl ora like the donkey orchid pictured here. I amazed some landholders with my cries of excitement when I saw orchids or other beautiful plants in fl ower! I hope the landowners found it equally exciting! You could be next! If you are a Wildlife Refuge owner in the South West Slopes or the South Eastern Highlands that I have not yet met, I may be contacting you this spring and summer to request a meeting. I have no doubt that in the next year I will have just as much fun meeting amazing people and seeing amazing places and I sincerely hope I can give our wonderful landholders some support and encouragement in the process. Habitat tree, Kalimna Park. Photo: © DECC D Reynders. Donkey Orchid Diuris sp.. Photo: © DECC D Reynders.

Bush Matters - Summer 2005-6 Bush Matters Winter 2007 3 Managing high quality bushland in western NSW—The Enterprise Based Conservation Program

conservation of threatened species underway. For those landholders involved By Renee Shepherd, Project and their habitats, improved river-bank in the groundcover-based model, an Manager stability through the management of annual monitoring program is undertaken stock along riverine corridors, and large- by the Department of Primary Industries. scale management of total grazing For the landholders that have removed Enterprise Based Conservation pressure. domestic stock, monitoring is being Program overview undertaken by the University of New England. The Enterprise Based Conservation Environmental monitoring Program (EBC Program) is an innovative program being implemented in the As grazing pressure creates one The value of networks Western Division of NSW, initiated of the greatest impacts on natural through West 2000 Plus. West 2000 resource condition in western NSW, Whilst one of the key elements of the Plus was a program funded by the NSW its management is one of the key program is to attempt to record the and Commonwealth Governments requirements that landholders must environmental changes, another key from 2001-2005, to work with primary undertake within the EBC Program. element is the interaction between the producers in the Western Division to participating landholders, the relevant Participating landholders have elected to improve the economic viability of the agency and community organisations. either completely remove domestic stock area. The EBC Program is encouraging for the fi ve-year period, or alternatively Given that the project sites are located landholders to balance production manage stocking rates to achieve a throughout the Western Division, it was and conservation values in semi-arid minimum groundcover level. important to ensure that each landholder landscapes whilst remaining economically was made to feel part of a small but very viable. In addition, landholders must manage important network of people undertaking grazing pressure from feral animals such Whilst other programs throughout innovative management practices on their as feral goats. Australia have focused on fragmented properties in this region. The activities landscapes where funding has been It was recognised during the development that these landholders are undertaking channelled into rehabilitating highly of the program that given the nature of are commonplace to other conservation- degraded natural resources, the EBC the rangelands, where prolonged dry minded people. However, a supportive Program focuses specifi cally on intact periods with little vegetation growth are network means landowners who may landscapes. common, it may be diffi cult to notice a be conservation pioneers in a traditional change in the conservation areas within production-focused landscape do not The conservation of landscapes in their fi ve years. In addition, if changes were become isolated in their new pursuit. present, unmodifi ed state promotes a observed, how could landowners tell concept of ‘prevention is better than a An important component of the EBC if they were caused by management cure’. Program therefore is the establishment practices, or just seasonal conditions? of annual landholder gatherings. The Ten landholders are participating in the In order to record environmental changes, inaugural gathering at Lightning Ridge in program, with 70,000 hectares being two monitoring programs are currently 2004 allowed the landholders to meet one managed for conservation for a fi ve-year period across a variety of landscapes. The average cost of the program including on-ground works and annual conservation payments totals approximately $2 per hectare per year— much less than similar programs. The proclamation of the areas as Wildlife Refuges was also identifi ed as a desirable outcome, to enable the formal recognition of the landowners’ contributions to biodiversity conservation for the long-term. Most landholders pursued this option. The major management issues that are being addressed in the program include the conservation of Aboriginal and European cultural heritage sites, Sand Monitor at Churinga. Photo: Renee Shepherd.

4 Bush Matters Winter 2007 another and establish an identity for the Despite their geographical isolation from program. one another, the unique landscapes they manage, their diff erent production Subsequent gatherings have focused systems, and their diff ering knowledge on providing landholders with access of conservation, the landholders share to information and experts in the common attributes such as openness to conservation and rangeland management new ideas and a commitment to forging fi elds, and focusing on the future direction a sustainable yet profi table path in the of the program. Western Division. In addition, the landholders who have It is this combination of active proclaimed their land as Wildlife Refuges management of the conservation areas are now part of a network through the and the strong network of innovative Conservation Partners Program of the people involved that has been the major NSW Department of Environment and contributor to the program’s success. Climate Change. A property in the EBC Program at Balranald. Photo: Renee Shepherd.

Case study–Garry Hannigan and Churinga Station Garry Hannigan owns the 49,000-hectare Churinga Station ‘Whilst I have always been interested in Churinga’s natural located between Wilcannia and Broken Hill. The property assets, being involved in the EBC Program has made me runs meat sheep breeds, cattle and goats which are all notice plants and animals and their response to seasonal certifi ed organic produce. conditions which I might have overlooked before’, Garry said. Garry believes that the conservation area perfectly complements his organic production enterprise which allows him to ‘produce a world-class product in harmony with the environment’. Garry’s involvement with WEST 2000 Plus programs and the commencement of organic certifi cation for his property saw the beginning of his involvement in networks many years ago. Since Garry became involved in the EBC Program he has gone on to be awarded the NSW Farmer of the Year in 2004, obtained a Nuffi eld Scholarship in 2005 and has enjoyed extensive involvement in organic organisations across Australia. Churinga Station. Photo: Renee Shepherd. ‘Once you get involved in one particular issue, it all just The 4000-hectare conservation area features escarpment snowballs’, Garry said. country consisting of caves, creeks and gorges, and open- timbered, saltbush and bluebush fl ats. ‘I am part of a large network that includes organics, alternate meat sheep breeds, grazing management and conservation. While rainfall has been below average since the program This allows me to provide input to the decision makers for commenced in October 2003, Garry has noticed that an issues that aff ect my region and my interests. absence of grazing in the conservation area has resulted in an excellent response from the vegetation when rain has ‘The networks also provide me with an amazing source of fallen. knowledgeable people that I can bounce ideas off ,’ he said. ‘Shrubby species have been the most responsive to Garry believes that he has only just scratched the surface of the reduced grazing pressure, with bluebush, saltbush, the possibilities that exist for conservation, organic produce Eremophila sp., and leopardwood being the most successful’, and sustainable production in western NSW. Garry said. ‘Little grazing competition allowed grass species to respond quickly to much-needed summer rain in January which also saw the grasses set seed. This kind of response rarely occurs in set-stocked paddocks’. Garry noted that although his conservation area boasts good groundcover during the ongoing dry period, it also attracts large numbers of feral goats from neighbouring properties. More than 4000 feral goats have been removed since the commencement of the program, indicating the ongoing grazing pressure being placed on the rangeland country. Signage for the project. Photo: Renee Shepherd.

Bush Matters - Summer 2005-6 Bush Matters Winter 2007 5 Bush Heritage Australia—building networks for conservation

non-government and government Namadgi National Park in the Australian By Chantal Fowler, Conservation organisations including the NSW Alps and the coastal ranges of the Eastern Programs Assistant, Bush Heritage Department of Environment and Climate Escarpment. Australia Change (DECC). The ecosystems on Scottsdale are poorly The land in this corridor has been heavily reserved and have the potential to be Bush Heritage Australia cleared and the remaining habitats ‘engine rooms’ for improved regional is a leader in private land fragmented and degraded. Much of conservation of populations of native nature conservation and has the land is in private ownership, and re- animals and plants. creating this habitat corridor will mean recently changed its name working with landholders on properties What is found on the property ? and logo (from Australian with a range of tenures and management regimes. The project will develop a The reserve protects threatened natural Bush Heritage Fund). It regional conservation network to support temperate grasslands and grassy is a national not-for-profi t the people and organisations involved. woodlands. The box-gum woodlands, organisation that protects comprised mostly of yellow box Once established, it will allow animals (Eucalyptus melliodora) and Blakely’s red the natural environment by to move through the landscape again. gum (Eucalyptus blakelyi), are endangered. acquiring and managing land It will increase the protection of poorly These woodlands are particularly reserved ecosystems and the resilience of of high conservation value. important for a range of threatened and the landscape, and better enable species declining woodland birds such as the Bush Heritage currently owns to respond to climate change. We also speckled warbler and diamond fi retail. 27 reserves across Australia. hope that it will increase national and Swamps, bogs, springs and vulnerable international awareness of the scientifi c, stream-side vegetation communities are social and economic benefi ts of managing also protected on Scottsdale. entire landscapes for conservation. Building landscape links— The endangered golden sun moth and Kosciuszko to Coast vulnerable diamond fi retail, hooded robin, Scottsdale Reserve gang gang cockatoo and Rosenberg’s In New South Wales, Bush Heritage is goanna occur there. The silky swainson- working on a new landscape restoration Bush Heritage’s acquisition of Scottsdale pea (Swainsona sericea) and silver-leaved project that will re-establish a network signals the start of the K2C project. gum (Eucalyptus pulverulenta), both of of habitats between the Australian Scottsdale Reserve is a unique property which are listed as vulnerable, are also Alps and the remnant bushland of of 1328 hectares, just 45 minutes found on the property. the coastal ranges to the east. This south of Canberra. It is one of the project, called Kosciuszko to Coast or largest remaining bushland properties A striking feature of Scottsdale is the K2C, is a collaborative eff ort between in the region, highlighting its role in Murrumbidgee River. It forms the western local, regional, state and national reconnecting the eastern fringes of the and northern boundaries of the property

The Murrumbidgee River and the banks of Scottsdale Reserve. Photo: Nicole Pyne /courtesy Bush Heritage Australia.

6 Bush Matters Winter 2007 A2A—a network for climate change Many readers may be aware of the announcement in February 2007 by the former NSW Minister for the Environment—The Honourable Bob Debus— regarding the decision by the NSW Environmental Trust to fund the implementation of a connectivity conservation initiative for the NSW section of the Alps to Atherton (A2A) conservation corridor. This concept had previously been enthusiastically endorsed at a national level by the states involved. A2A is identifi ed as a national conservation project because of its special unfragmented and essentially natural status, the richness and signifi cance of species found there, its cultural and social values and the importance of its connectivity. The signifi cance of the threats to Australia’s natural heritage posed by climate change provided an urgent impetus for the A2A initiative.

Brogo Reserve. Photo: Wayne Lawler/Ecopix, courtesy Bush Heritage Australia. for a distance of four and a half kilometres The property control weeds and feral animals such as and provides a protected environment for rabbits, foxes and deer, and repair and platypus and the vulnerable Macquarie Brogo Reserve contributes to the realign tracks and roads which had been perch and trout cod. protection of four signifi cant vegetation damaged by erosion. Good access to the communities by protecting a mixture reserve is important for fi re management of wet and dry sclerophyll forest, with How are we managing it ? and to allow our staff and volunteers patches of dry rainforest and one small easy passage into the reserve. Ongoing By acquiring Scottsdale we have removed patch of degraded warm temperate weed and feral animal control has been the main threats to the property: rural rainforest. These vegetation communities eff ective at reducing these threats to the subdivision, agricultural intensifi cation are generally representative of the past reserve, and ongoing monitoring enables and further weed encroachment. vegetation cover of the dry rainshadow us to modify our management activities valleys on granite-derived soils in the to meet any new or continuing threats. The key management issue is weeds, district. Of the grassy vegetation types particularly African lovegrass. Eff ective originally occurring in the Bega Valley, weed control and rehabilitation of the less than seven per cent remain, and Getting involved grasslands on parts of the property most are poorly reserved. The reserve also are likely to be costly, but there is contributes considerably to the overall Networks do not only apply to land, but strong support from a range of groups scenic qualities of the Brogo River valley. also to people. Getting involved with and agencies to set up a regional others interested in managing their demonstration site at Scottsdale for the Brogo Reserve protects seven fauna land for conservation has benefi ts for all control of the signifi cant weeds of the species considered at risk: sugar gliders, participants. region. long-nosed bandicoots and fi ve bat species, four of which are insectivorous There are many ways to get involved in microchiropterans and the fi fth, a the exciting and challenging work of Brogo Reserve megachiropteran, the grey-headed fl ying Bush Heritage Australia. You may wish to fox. volunteer your time or seek employment The 120-hectare Brogo Reserve is situated with us. Becoming a monthly donor is a at the north-eastern end of the Bega Seventy native bird species have been wonderful way of contributing directly Valley in south-east NSW, and is one of the recorded on the reserve, including to buying and protecting more key areas larger bushland properties in the valley. boobook and powerful owls. Species of habitat. You may prefer to leave a associated with a range of diff erent bequest. As a supporter you can visit our Brogo Reserve demonstrates how a habitat types are represented, refl ecting reserves and participate in events. To fi nd protected area network can be achieved. the diversity of the reserve’s vegetation. out more or for further details on the work An adjacent property and several of Bush Heritage Australia, please visit our properties nearby have areas under What are we doing ? website at www.bushheritage.org.au Conservation Agreements through DECC or phone 1300 NATURE (1300 628 873). as well another nearby property being a Brogo Reserve was acquired by Bush Wildlife Refuge. This protected bushland Heritage in 1995, and logging, clearing is a major part of a linkage between and grazing are no longer a threat. There Wadbilliga and Biamanga National Parks. has been ongoing management work to

Bush Matters - Summer 2005-6 Bush Matters Winter 2007 7 International Wildlife Land Trust comes to Australia

The Wildlife Land Trust (WLT) was established in the United States of America in 1993 by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) to protect wildlife by preserving their natural habitats as permanent sanctuaries. Since then, with wildlife habitat continually being lost across the world, this program has been extended to other countries.

Protecting the world’s streams, grasslands, forests and wetlands is essential to the Flower Valley Sanctuary, South Africa. Photo: courtesy of Flower Valley Conservation Trust. survival of wildlife on Earth. Working under the guiding principle of ‘humane critical tropical rainforest. This sanctuary, international network are properties stewardship’ the Trust protects vast and the Golden Stream Corridor Preserve, in New South Wales with Conservation impressive landscapes, as well as smaller is home to fi ve of the world’s most Agreement and Wildlife Refuge status places that provide for the needs of all endangered cat species: the jaguar, under the National Parks and Wildlife wildlife—rare and common species jaguarundi, puma, ocelot and margay. Act 1974 and part of the Conservation alike. These eff orts are undertaken Partners Program. South Africa’s Cape Floristic Kingdom, in partnerships with individuals, is one of the world’s great biodiversity non-government organisations and ‘Warriwillah’ was recently acquired by HSI. hotspots, with nearly 70% of the 8600 government agencies. The previous owner had the property vascular plant species found here occuring of 112 hectares formally proclaimed a nowhere else on Earth. In this region, WLT Wildlife Refuge in 1986 and later entered A global sanctuary system partnered with Flower Valley Conservation into a Conservation Agreement over 103 Trust and FFI to preserve the 550-hectare hectares of the property. It is a spectacular The WLT has sanctuaries in North America, Flower Valley Sanctuary. This sanctuary is property less than an hour’s drive south of Canada, South Africa, Romania, Belize, home to more than 1500 native animals Canberra, situated only three kilometres Indonesia, and now Australia. and plants including animals such as from Namadgi National Park and eight klipspringer, bontebock, blesbock, duiker, kilometres from Tinderry Nature Reserve. In the United States, over 80 sanctuaries serval, and leopard. The property is a are owned, protected with Conservation working farm and is one of the largest The Conservation Agreement provides Easements (similar to Conservation exporters of wild-harvested fynbos fl owers perpetual legal protection of habitat Agreements), or otherwise managed in the Cape. This is being continued under important to the survival of the by the WLT. Examples include the 517- the Flower Valley Conservation Trust with peregrine falcon, wedge-tailed eagle, hectare Meadowcreek Wildlife Sanctuary harvesting rates and patterns dictated by the endangered Macquarie perch, the in the Ozark Mountain Region of Arkansas scientifi c criteria. The continuation of this nobbi lashtail and a large population of which provides habitat for an abundance operation demonstrates that sustainable platypus. The sanctuary also contains 2.5 of wildlife. In the high desert region of wildfl ower harvesting is a viable form kilometres of signifi cant riparian habitat at Northern California, a landowner has of land use which achieves a balance the confl uence of the Murrumbidgee River placed a Conservation Easement over between conservation and sustainable and Michelago Creek, a major north-south his 208-hectare property, which includes use of fynbos. migration route for bird species such as native pine forest and other valuable the yellow-faced honeyeater. The previous wildlife habitat. This is now part of the WLT owners of the property were supported network. The Wildlife Land Trust in Australia with management funding under the Conservation Partners Program to assist Internationally, the WLT has partnered In 2006, the WLT program was with weed control and fencing. with other organisations to expand established in Australia by Humane the global network. In southern Belize, Society International (HSI) to enable ‘Curricabark Wildlife Refuge’, the second Central America, from 1999 the WLT with landowners to participate in the global property in the WLT Australian global Fauna & Flora International (FFI) and the sanctuary system. The fi rst two Australian sanctuary system, was formally community run Ya’axche Conservation sanctuaries to become a part of this Trust protect nearly 4167 hectares of 8 Bush Matters Winter 2007 The Murrumbidgee River at Warriwillah. Photo: HSI. proclaimed as a Wildlife Refuge in 1980. involved in a formal conservation program If you have an interest in becoming a This 245-hectare sanctuary is owned by on their land but would like to, are member of the WLT, you can down-load two of HSI’s Directors and their family and particularly encouraged to join in. the application from the above link, or friends. The property is situated about an call Michael Kennedy on 1800 333 737 or hour north-west of Gloucester and is a few email [email protected]. kilometres from Woko National Park. The benefi ts of registering with the Wildlife Land Trust Wildlife Land Trust, Australia The Wildlife Refuge status provides PO Box 439 AVALON NSW 2107 long-term legal protection of the WLT as an international program aims to nationally endangered rainforest complement existing legal protection Tel: 02 9973 1728 or 1800 333 737 climber, Cynanchum elegans (and a moth measures for conservation of natural and Fax: 02 9973 1729 Dichromia quinqualis that feeds on the cultural heritage in New South Wales, and Email: [email protected] vine). There are important dry rainforest encourage existing and new landholder Website: www.wlt.org areas (83 hectares) and other native involvement in wildlife conservation. vegetation assemblages which are at the limit of their range, and habitats for the Joining the WLT provides an opportunity koala and glossy black cockatoo which to become part of a continually growing are listed as vulnerable under the state’s international network of wildlife Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995. sanctuaries voluntarily committed to the principles of protection and conservation of wildlife and their natural habitats An invitation to join the Wildlife around the world. Land Trust Properties will be highlighted in a Landholders in Australia have the special Australian section of the global opportunity to become part of the WLT website www.wlt.org, a regular WLT global sanctuary system. Joining copy of the international ‘Wildlife Lands’ this international network involves newsletter will be mailed, and a Wildlife landholders registering a non-binding Land Trust sign provided as desired. voluntary commitment to the principles of stewardship of land to protect and What can I do now? conserve wildlife and their natural habitats. Visit www.wlt.org/australia.asp and have HSI is working in partnership with the a look at what like-minded people have Conservation Partners Program to been doing around the world to protect promote the Wildlife Land Trust to all wildlife and its habitats. landowners in the Conservation Partners Grass trees at Curricabark. Photo: HSI. Program. Landholders who are not yet

Bush Matters - Summer 2005-6 Bush Matters Winter 2007 9 Fauna-friendly fencing We use fencing on our properties to mark the boundary of the area which we look after and to contain and manage livestock so that pastures can be maintained in good condition or to ensure that valuable native vegetation is not damaged. Barbed wire is now used widely in fencing and is a major threat to wildlife in Australia.

History of barbed wire The importance of minimising the impact unnecessary. In some locations especially of barbed wire was recognised when the around home paddocks and gardens, Barbed wire was invented in the United Threatened Species Network (TSN) of a hedge may be a better option. This States of America when ranchers started the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) can have the added bonus of providing to settle the prairies. Its introduction was gave a grant to the Tolga Bat Hospital protection and habitat for wildlife. controversial, and it was given the name on the Atherton Tablelands in 2006, to ‘The Devil’s Rope’ due to the suff ering draw up guidelines for fauna-friendly Old unwanted fences can be removed, caused to livestock. fencing. Although there has been little or and old bits of barbed wire can be moved no research on fencing and wildlife, the to a place where they pose no danger to Applications were made for around 570 project has produced some principles and humans, livestock and wildlife patents, when it was fi rst invented in advice on fencing to reduce the toll on the1870s. After 20 years of legal battles in wildlife, with further guidelines to come. the United States Supreme Court, Joseph Hotspots for entanglement F. Glidden was declared the ‘winner’. Wildlife tends to move along regular The greatest opposition to barbed To fence or not to fence? routes especially to enable access to food wire was by free-range graziers and Sometimes fencing is done because it is and water. Your fence can be located so cowmen whose access to the plains the ‘norm’. On reassessing, a fence may be that ’high-risk’ areas are avoided. Places to and waterholes was now restricted. avoid or where to remove fences Initially fences were simply cut, but include: in Texas this escalated in the 1870s and 1880s into what were known as • Fences across the fl ight the wire-cutting ‘wars’, and legislation or glide path of larger birds, was introduced to protect barbed fl ying foxes and bats. wire fences. Thus barbed wire played • Fences on ridge lines a part in bringing about the end of or where they are higher than the ‘Open Range’ on the prairies. surrounding vegetation. • Fences near food trees. Minimising the impacts of • Fences around water— fences on wildlife fl ying foxes and water birds get entangled on their fl ight Any fencing can have an impact to and from water. on local fauna. Fences inhibit the • Fences across watercourses or ability of native animals to move barbed wire submerged freely through the landscape. Wildlife in water, where platypus needs to move to allow free access to and water birds can become good food sources, breeding places entangled. and to follow natural migration and social patterns. Fencing should be constructed to allow easy movement Alternatives to barbed wire of wildlife. There are diff erent opinions Wildlife carers and others have about how necessary barbed been concerned about the wire fencing is for controlling impact of barbed wire on wildlife. livestock. Some graziers fi nd that Entanglement and deaths occur high tensile plain wire is eff ective. which is an animal welfare issue. In addition, threatened species Where fences without barbed are aff ected. In New South Wales, wire are not practical, an option barbed wire fences are noted as a is to replace the top one or two threat to the squirrel glider, which is strands with plain wire. This will listed as vulnerable under the NSW reduce the number of birds, Threatened Species Conservation Act gliding possums and bats which 1995. will get snagged on the fence. Squirrel gliders are sometimes injured or killed on barbed wire fences. Photo: © DECC

10 Bush Matters Winter 2007 The top strand of barbed wire has been replaced with plain Landowner Brian Naughton with old electric fence tape as a marker. Photo: Ashleigh Johnson. wire. Eungella, Queensland .

The comparative costs of plain wire and Improved visibility regularly replaced as does bunting. Flags barbed wire can vary. However plain wire need to be closely placed, at least every is currently cheaper than barbed wire, and Barbed wire can be made easier for 30cm or so. Do not use plastic on stock is quicker to run out. The disadvantage animals to see by adding visible (and fences as cattle eat plastic, suff er digestive of hi-tensile plain wire is that it is diffi cult often audible) objects to the fence. problems and may die. to work with as it is hard to tie off and Considerations include the potential hard to strain using old-style strainers introduction of waste to the environment, Metal signals: Shiny metal tags or other (although twitchers and wire joiners make the eff ort required for installation and metal objects, such as aluminium pie it easy). maintenance, and the cost. plates, can also act to make barbed wire more visible. Beer cans have been used Some landholders also remove the on camel fences at Newhaven (a property bottom wire from the fence, or replace Protective tape in the Northern Territory owned by the it with plain wire, so that wildlife such as Australian Wildlife Conservancy), and by kangaroos, wallabies and wombats are One landholder who needs to use iron ore mining companies in the Pilbara. able to get under the fence with little or barbed wire to control cattle, keeps the no damage to the fencing, reducing any top strand 100mm below the top of the Brightly-coloured plastic balls (like airstrip subsequent repair costs. post. Along the top of the post he then powerline markers) have been used secures, using fencing staples, old electric to prevent powerline strike by cranes There are products used for horse fencing fence tape that is no longer conductive. in Europe and the US and may also be include Borderline and Nightline, which This off ers good visibility, as it is white useful for fences, but might be a relatively are solid high-tension nylon sighter ‘wires’ and fl ickers in the wind; it also acts as a expensive option for extensive lengths of (no steel) that are particularly wildlife- physical barrier. It is cheap, quick and easy fencing. friendly. They are more expensive than to put up, especially over long distances. plain wire but would be useful in high-risk areas. This article by Louise Brodie (DECC) Individual markers and Jenny Maclean (Tolga Bat Electric fences may be eff ective in some Hospital) has been taken from the cases although they may not restrain These are only practical for short lengths cattle and can also kill and injure some of fence and can include the following Barbed Wire Action Plan (2007) by native wildlife. options. Carol Booth. This Plan and more details can be Covering the barbs on existing fences Plastic signals: Plastic bunting or fl agging obtained from the website can be an excellent option especially in can be added to barbed wire to provide high risk locations. Barbs can be covered a visual and aural warning to animals. www.wildlifefriendlyfencing.com with tubing and there are gadgets which Used bunting can be obtained from car Or contact the Project Coordinator, have been designed for splitting poly yard dealers, or it may be made from Jenny Maclean at the Tolga Bat pipe quickly and for applying the pipe to surveyor’s tape or from plastic warning Hospital, PO Box 685, Atherton QLD the fence. Another option is to install an tags such as those used on roadworks. 4883, tel / fax 07 4091 2683. ‘apron’ of chicken mesh or similar over the Plastic fl ags made from tape are cheap, fence. but due to deterioration, need to be

Bush Matters - Summer 2005-6 Bush Matters Winter 2007 11 Mistletoe in our remnant woodlands: friend or foe?

David Watson helps us understand why mistletoe is like red wine or chocolate.

Why is there so much mistletoe around these days, and what can we do to get rid of it? As an ecologist working on mistletoe for the past ten years, I am asked this question routinely. Together with a group of research students and other collaborators, I have studied the interactions between mistletoe and animals, and the answers to these questions are becoming clearer. Firstly, let’s address the issue of mistletoe numbers. Historic data are few and far between, but it’s fairly well established that mistletoe has become far more abundant over the past century. Interestingly, this pattern seems to be restricted to eastern Australia—in the wheat-belt of Western Australia the reverse has occurred, with mistletoe now absent from many areas. To understand why they have become more abundant, we need to know more about the plants themselves and the processes that ordinarily keep them in check. Mistletoes are one of the few groups of native plants that rely on birds for both pollination and seed dispersal. Their seeds lack a protective coat and need to be deposited in a well-lit area in order to establish, using photosynthesis to fuel initial growth and penetration of Drooping mistletoe Amyema pendula: a common parasite of eucalypts. Photo: DM Watson. the host’s bark. As parasites, mistletoes been overgrazed. So, the average tree with mistletoes in remnant woodlands. rely on their hosts for all of their water is now less shaded and less frequently Sites with more mistletoe consistently and nutrient needs. By concentrating visited by herbivores, greatly increasing support a higher number of woodland minerals in their tissues, they can divert the likelihood of mistletoe establishment birds. This is partly due to the popularity water from their host. As such, mistletoe and growth. Unlike many native plants, of mistletoe as a food source, and partly leaves represent a rich nutritional mistletoe has no defences against fi re, due to the use of mistletoe as a nest resource for leaf-eating animals, with and the occasional fi re through an area site. We are examining this in detail a wide range of marsupials (especially removes most of them without killing the in a large-scale removal experiment possums and gliders) and leaf-eating trees. In many regions, the frequency and near Albury. Called RIFLE (Resources in insects (especially butterfl ies and lerps) intensity of bush fi res has decreased. Fragmented Landscapes Experiment), preferentially feeding on mistletoes. this study involves long-term monitoring Combining these interactions, it’s clear of 40 grassy box woodland remnants When we consider the changes made to that we have inadvertently made many Australia’s forests and woodlands since on private land in the upper Billabong agricultural landscapes ideal for mistletoe Creek catchment. We have removed all settlement, many of these interactions growth, removing many of the factors have been modifi ed. Most of the mistletoes from 20 of the remnants, and that ordinarily prevent them establishing, are keeping track of the birds, mammals, woodlands have been cleared, and the growing and spreading. amount of ‘edge’ habitat has increased reptiles and selected insects living in the greatly. The large hollow-bearing trees Interestingly, these increased numbers of woodlands over the next fi fteen years. required by possums and gliders are mistletoe aren’t necessarily problematic. Dramatic diff erences are already clear less abundant, and the nectar-bearing Indeed, my group has been fi nding between the removal and the control shrubs that support butterfl ies have a whole range of benefi ts associated sites, with many woodland-dependent

12 Bush Matters Winter 2007 birds now wholly restricted to those sites chemically protected leaves that they however, mistletoe is quite often a with mistletoe. While due partly to the retain for many years, mistletoes grow symptom: an indicator of a broader fruit, nectar and nesting sites aff orded fl imsy semi-succulent leaves that they imbalance. High infection levels are often by mistletoe, leaf-litter is also involved, replace frequently. In leaf-litter trials associated with paddock trees or trees on and it is this component that may have carried out near Albury, mistletoe leaves the edges of woodland patches. These the most pervasive eff ects on the overall were shed six times more frequently than trees are often subjected to higher light habitat. Wendy March recently completed the leaves of their eucalypt hosts. The levels, lower visitation by possums and her PhD research which entailed the fi rst combined eff ect of these diff erences is gliders, infrequent fi res and high nutrient study ever conducted on mistletoe litter, striking: areas beneath mistletoes have levels (from run-off and domestic stock and the fi ndings were remarkable. more litter, higher-quality litter, and more resting in the shade). While mistletoes reliable litter-fall throughout the year. can be pruned off , this is expensive, time- Unlike most plants, mistletoes do not This leads to pronounced changes in the consuming and rarely practical. While it try to conserve nutrients or water—if availability of every element examined might be worthwhile for particular trees they need more, they simply take it from in the soil, leading to a broad range of of high-conservation or historic value, their hosts. So, when they drop their responses in understorey plants. Ongoing mistletoes typically return to their original leaves, they don’t withdraw any nutrients research will explore these eff ects in more densities within a year or two, since the or water, they simply drop them as is. detail, and look at changes in germination underlying drivers remain unchanged. This attribute, coupled with the high rate, water retention and the diversity of By restricting stock access, replanting concentration of various minerals in soil-based microbial communities. understorey shrubs, installing a few mistletoe tissue, makes mistletoe litter nest boxes and having the occasional surprisingly rich. Of fi fteen elements Yet, just like chocolate and red wine, controlled burn, mistletoe numbers will examined, mistletoe litter contained you can have too much of a good thing! return to a more manageable level and signifi cantly higher concentrations of Trees can become infected with such the overall community will benefi t as well. eleven elements. So, pound for pound, high numbers of mistletoe that they mistletoe litter is a far higher quality litter can no longer support themselves, In sum, mistletoes are a poorly known than regular gum leaves. But mistletoes leading to reduced growth rates and, in group of native plants that have a have another trick up their sleeves. extreme cases, premature death. Rather disproportionate infl uence over our Unlike eucalypts that grow reinforced, than being the cause of tree mortality, native woodlands and forests. By altering the extent and disturbance regimes in these woodlands, we have unwittingly removed many of the factors that once kept them in check. While often seen as weeds or destructive invaders, these native plants actually play critical roles in these habitats. By providing food and shelter for native animals, and shedding high-quality litter, they act as keystone resources, boosting diversities of native animals and enhancing the biodiversity values of our remaining woodlands and forests. David M Watson is an Associate Professor in Ecology at Charles Sturt University.

Flowers of Amyema cambagei, needle leaf or sheoak mistletoe that closely resembles its Casuarina hosts. Flowers of Amyema preissii, wire leaf mistletoe Photo : DM Watson. commonly seen growing on acacias. Photo: DM Watson.

Bush Matters - Summer 2005-6 Bush Matters Winter 2007 13 Tackling weeds on Fal Brook Wildlife Refuge Marg McLean tells us how Cape ivy she used weed Cape ivy (Delairea odorata) a vine native mapping and a to South Africa, covers native vegetation. combination of professional It is a plant which invades native bush regenerators and vegetation in Italy, Australia and the eastern United States. It is a perennial volunteers to help control vine with shiny, fi ve to six-pointed cape ivy on this conservation leaves, usually with two small stipule- agreement property. like lobes. There is one leaf at each node. Foliage is green to yellow-green and has Fal Brook Wildlife Refuge began as an a distinct odour. Plants have extensive ‘alternative’ rural community project waxy stolons running above and below in 1973. However the original idea of a ground. Below-ground stems are purple. cooperative with settlement dispersed Each fl ower is a yellow, round discoid over the land has been replaced by a head with fl owers arranged in groups conservation trust, with more closely of 20 or more. Cape ivy is diffi cult to clustered settlement occupying a eliminate for two reasons: stolons and small area, and most of the land being underground parts readily fragment bushland managed for conservation. The while being removed, and plants original Wildlife Refuge of 76 hectares will grow from almost any remaining was proclaimed in 1978. In March fragment. 2004, the Wildlife Refuge and adjacent bushland on Fal Brook were placed under Conservation Agreements covering a Cape ivy. Photo: DPI Victoria. Drawing: PlantNET total of 123 hectares. NSW fl ora online The land links with Mount Royal National Park, north of Singleton in the Hunter Valley, and is one of a cluster of six adjoining Wildlife Refuges. Having a number of Wildlife Refuges close to For much of the eighties the land was gully and densely-vegetated areas, such the park extends the area of protected unoccupied, and by the mid-nineties as stuttering frog, long-nosed potoroo, habitat for a number of species for which some earlier plantings, such as elderberry rufous bettong, red-legged pademelon, this small park is notable. This includes (planted for culinary uses—the brown yellow-bellied glider and large forest the Hastings River mouse—fi rst trapped cuckoo-doves love the berries!) owls. along the Hastings River in 1921. This had escaped, becoming a problem. little known animal is listed as threatened Elderberries are especially troublesome and, until it was rediscovered in 1981, because unless you can uproot the entire was thought to have disappeared. The plant, you have to meticulously ‘cut and possibility exists for refuge owners paint’ every stem. Silky oak (Grevillea together with DECC to encourage habitat robusta), another garden escape here, protection planning at the landscape- was easier to remove. scale. However, the main weed of concern is At the time of the Wildlife Refuge cape ivy. Its superfi cial resemblance to gazettal, people tackled the blackberries the native star cucumber vine (Sicyos on the Refuge along the creeks to make australis) is almost uncanny and for room for gardens, but otherwise were the uninitiated it also, at fi rst blush, oblivious to the weeds there except for even looks like forest hound’s tongue garden annuals. Luckily, with one or two (Cynoglossum australe). Protecting notable exceptions in the riparian zone, regenerating rainforest species along the land was free of weeds—apart from the creeks from being smothered by the blackberries. The main exception was the ivy is a priority here. The integrity cape ivy (Delairea odorata), regarded as of the vegetation as fauna habitat is just another native rainforest vine until also important. More than a dozen Star cucumber vine is easily confused with cape ivy. Photo: Eurobodalla Shire Council. identifi ed as an exotic species in the threatened fauna species have been nineties. recorded, including a number requiring

14 Bush Matters Winter 2007 Cape ivy is a diabolical weed with rooting point. Fortunately this gross schematic weed density mapping. This tremendous powers of regeneration and disturbance approach appears to have has been an excellent tool for gauging rapid growth; trailing and climbing over been successful. the impact of our treatment. seedlings, shrubs and trees. Any piece can take root, and it may set viable seed. Weed density mapping without any It is more or less restricted to the riparian formal measurements or the ‘windscreen If you are interested in having survey method’ is obviously subjective, zone but, tolerating frost and in some people assist you with work on places, almost full sun—who knows how but if the same person keeps doing your property far it could spread over time? it according to fi xed parameters, it is contact Conservation Volunteers defi nitely a useful yardstick. Records Cape ivy is very easy to remove by using Australia of other variables such as climatic manual labour. However the handpulling www.conservationvolunteers. conditions, fi res, droughts and fl oods are of this vine requires a very delicate touch important to keep in conjunction with com.au as it breaks very easily but it is essential the mapping. For instance, an untreated to follow the main stem right back to its Freecall 1800 032 501 area mapped as red (100% weed) in 2004, source. We carried many bags of cape would have been mapped as orange ivy tangle to centralized piles where it (bushland dominated by weeds) during eff ectively ‘melted’ away with help of the The necessity for serious sustained follow- the drought. pademelons nibbling the sproutings from up work regardless of technical skill was the heap. The essential follow-up involves obvious. Since the initial work was carried We have been trying to develop a the plucking out of the little cape ivy out, Friends of Fal Brook have worked working consistency across the scales of isolates which are OK to leave securely in on the site. In 2006 and 2007, funding closeup, midrange and broadscale views, the fork of a tree. from the Department of Environment so that they nest within each other. That is and Climate Change for work on our to say, the broadscale view weed density So we have been getting stuck into Conservation Agreement area, was able mapping is refl ected at the two smaller the cape ivy. The literature records that to be used to cover follow-up work by viewpoints. There are roughly the same propagation is both vegetative and by professional bush regenerators. percentages of total vegetative cover at wind-dispersed seed, but we have never whatever scale you are looking. seen seed. We are still off ering a prize The initial professional site assessment for 100% certainty of cape ivy seedling and weed management plan included the Weeding with apparently interminable establishment. However, as the fl owers follow-up can feel like soul destroying are so tiny, the seed would be miniscule, work. Mapping really helps to sustain and it would be diffi cult to tell the and inspire confi dence that the eff ort diff erence between a plant growing from Weed density is worthwhile and that the natural the small seed and one from a small piece regeneration is assisted by our attention of stem. mapping to the imbalance. The mix of native raspberry (Rubus rosifolius) and cape ivy On Fal Brook a very simple way of In 2004, under a project through on the edge of the riparian zone is now mapping weed density has been NPWS we were able to use volunteer native raspberry with bracken and forest used. This four-colour scheme workers from Conservation Volunteers hound’s tongue (Cynoglossum australe). has been used on bushland sites Australia (CVA) under supervision of Another native raspberry thicket has the for many years. Using a map of professional bush regenerators. The native star cucumber vine twining over the property or site, the area of crews of volunteers covered a wide it, with young kangaroo apple (Solanum bushland and weeds is coloured as range of personalities, experience and aviculare), native hibiscus (Hibiscus follows: application—with at least some being heterophyllus) and bolly bolly or hairy- meticulous. • Green: bushland with hardly leaved bolly gum (Neolitsea dealbata) also any weeds. emerging. Cape ivy is enough of a challenge with its capacity to root at every node together • Blue: minor weed infestations. Records of approximate total person- with its tendency to break easily. So • Orange: weeds dominate the hours worked and areas treated have we fi rst chose to have the untrained vegetation. been kept and compiled, providing volunteers do a broadscale attack over a an excellent basis for further works, greater area rather than the diligence of a • Red: bushland replaced by calculations and planning. professional team in a smaller area. weeds. Ongoing monitoring and handpulling The condition of the site also Overall, the combination of professional of the inevitable occasional cape ivy helps determine the method bush regenerators with the volunteers sprouting will be undertaken over all of restoration. Areas coloured at this site where the cape ivy had been the regeneration areas treated. We look blue and green generally only long-established, worked pretty well. forward to our follow-up work showing need weeds removed to help continued reduction in both the cape ivy the bushland recover from weed The initial intent in the areas with and the time we need to treat it. heavy weed growth was to only release invasion. Areas coloured red may struggling rainforest seedling trees from need some revegetation or other cape ivy by clearing a one metre radius assistance to help recovery, while circle. This however, quickly evolved to areas coloured orange may need a broadscale clearing of this weed due to mixed approach. the intertwining extensive growth habit and the need to track the vine to its major

Bush Matters - Summer 2005-6 Bush Matters Winter 2007 15 Bush Matters is the newsletter for the DECC Conservation Partners Program which provides ongoing support for landholders with Conservation Agreements, Wildlife Refuges, Property Registrations and Land for Wildlife. Bush Matters is produced twice yearly. Published by Department of Environment and Climate Change NSW Ph: (02) 9995 5000 To view the newsletter in colour go to www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/npws.nsf/Content/Bush+Matters Number 9 ISSN 1446 - 8441 DECC 2007/351

Design and Layout : Little Gecko (Virginia Bear) Books

Interested in fi nding out more about the small creatures in our environment? Most available from CSIRO Publishing of the world’s creatures are invertebrates, but popular identifi cation material is Web: www.publish.csiro.au taking a while to catch up with the wonderful resources we have about plants, PO Box 1139 Collingwood Victoria 3066 frogs, reptiles, mammals etc. CSIRO Publishing have now produced three books phone 1300 788 000, 03 9662 7666 which will help you to identify moths, butterfl ies and dragonfl ies. They should be Fax 03 9662 7555 congratulated for helping fi ll the gap with these wonderful books. Email [email protected] Each book has a general introduction containing information about the general and from many bookstores structure of the animal, habitats, distribution and behaviour. The Complete Field The Complete Field A Guide to Guide to Butterfl ies Guide to Dragonfl ies Australian Moths of Australia of Australia Michael F Braby 2004 Günther Paul Zborowski and This is the fi rst complete Theischinger and Ted Edwards 2007 fi eld guide to all John Hawking 2006 Australian moths butterfl y species on This book has clear became world famous Australia’s mainland colour photos and when one perched and its remote islands. drawings and includes on singer Yvonne It covers 416 currently identifi cation keys for Kenny while she was identifi ed species and adults and larvae, as well as distribution performing in the closing ceremony of the has clear photos and descriptions to aid maps and habitat information. 2000 Sydney Olympic Games. There are identifi cation. There is also a distribution over 20,000 moth species in Australia, and map for each species on the Australian The book covers all 30 families, 110 although generally thought of as looking mainland. genera and 324 species found in Australia, dull, their colours can be remarkable. and also includes general information It covers the fi ve major family groups: about dragonfl ies. This guide illustrates all the major Australian Hesperiidae, Paplionidae, Pieridae, families, including some rarely seen species. Nymphalidae and Lycaenidae, as well as the It includes many facts about moth biology family Riodinidae, which has but a single and sections on interesting moths such as species in Australia. the iconic witjuti grubs and bogong moths.

Conference proceedings: Veg Futures 2006

Veg Futures: The Conference in the Field was convened by Q2. Who pays for native vegetation management? Greening Australia and Land and Water Australia at Albury in Q3. How do we balance conservation and production? March 2006. Q4. What are we doing about the threats to native vegetation? The proceedings from this conference can now be found on the Q5. How do we know if we are making a diff erence? website: live.greeningaustralia.org.au/vegfutures/ Delegates were confronted with these ‘big’ questions in each The conference was structured to focus on fi ve ‘big’ questions session of the program. On the fi nal day delegates gathered to confronting the management of native vegetation: discuss how well they answered the big questions. Q1. What is the role and value of native vegetation in the The proceedings contain a wealth of information addressing regional landscape? these questions.

The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily represent those of DECC. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this newsletter is accurate at the time of printing, DECC cannot accept responsibility for errors or omissions.