The NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust (BCT) has launched a series of online learning modules to guide landholders in how they can protect native habitat.
The e-learning modules are free and are designed to empower and build confidence in conservation management on private land.
The BCT’s Senior Ecologist, Joel Stibbard, said: “Our online education course is a one-of-a-kind resource that will help private landholders protect native habitat. It provides best practice guidance across the many elements of conservation land management. This includes conservation grazing, vegetation restoration, hydrology, pests, weeds and fire management.
“The content provides tailored information to landholders with BCT agreements, and those considering it, but also valuable help for implementing biodiversity conservation management across all land types in NSW and beyond.
“Participants will obtain a certificate of completion which counts towards higher qualifications in Conservation and Land Management.”
The training provides a fundamental understanding of biodiversity management that will help landholders understand and manage their conservation areas.
The online-only course is delivered through Tocal College, a registered training organisation for land management, with content developed for landholders by BCT ecologists.
Manager, Education Delivery at Tocal College, Julie White, said: “Tocal College is excited to partner with the BCT to develop and deliver this online training course in conservation land management.
“The training is designed to help landholders learn about conservation management and builds on the BCT’s existing resources.
“Being available online means that landholders can work through it at their own pace, when it suits them. Completion of the course will count towards a Certificate III, Certificate IV or Diploma in Conservation and Land Management, if needed.”
Anyone can do the online learning, with BCT conservation agreement-holders encouraged to complete the course.
“This course is sure to prove a valuable resource for landholders, industry groups, environment and agricultural students, and the wider public to increase their knowledge of conservation management and the importance of biodiversity in functioning landscapes”, Mr Stibbard said.