View more
The Cumberland Plain Agri-National Park addresses the urgent challenge of balancing urban growth, agriculture, and biodiversity conservation in one of Sydney’s rarest ecosystems (Cumberland Plain Woodland). less than 10% of this habitat is intact, and the majority of it lies on private land in Sydney’s South West. Sydney’s macro-fauna have been pushed out of the Cumberland Plain and into the surrounding national parks that have less fertile soils. Native species like kangaroos, emus, wombats, koalas, wallabies and gliders are increasingly trying to re-enter farmland from these surrounding areas seeking the fertile soils and open grasslands of the Cumberland Plain that they depend on.
This project aims to restore these vital habitats while maintaining the productivity of farmland, creating a multi-functional landscape that supports both wildlife and agriculture. Key features include redesigned wildlife-friendly fencing to facilitate animal movement, rotational grazing systems that regenerate native grasslands, agroforestry practices with scattered tree plantings, and riparian restoration to protect waterways and improve water quality.
The pilot site at Stonequarry Creek exemplifies these principles, combining conservation zones and sustainable farming practices. Trails, lookouts, and farm-door cafes invite visitors to experience the coexistence of agriculture and nature while celebrating the region’s rural Heritage.
Guided by an agri-environment scheme (AES), the project provides financial incentives to farmers to adopt conservation practices, turning them into stewards of the landscape. In conjunction with the pilot site, this offers a scalable model for the entire region of the South-West Cumberland Plain, envisioning that this landscape can be protected from major developments and form the Cumberland Plain Agri-National park.
