Neighbours Richard and Prue Post, Sam and Kirsty White, and Frank and Pip White, have launched into strategically planned tree-planting projects with support from the Northern Tablelands Local Land Services Trees on Farms program.

Frank and Pip White are planting a total area of almost eight hectares that will eventually provide much-needed shade and shelter for livestock.

“I heard about the Trees on Farms program while I was doing a farm planning course with Northern Tablelands Local Land Services,” Ms White said. “Looking at the farm plan maps, it was clear to see where there was a need for more native vegetation on the property.”

Ms White said in the past they had planted mostly along fence lines, but this time have fenced off a large area on a rocky ridge to create a denser area of native trees and shrubs.

“We hope [it] will give the seedlings better protection from the elements,” she said. “The cattle and sheep have definitely been looking for shade, and when you see how long stock are spending under the trees on these very hot days, planting more shade is clearly the right decision.”

Shade and shelter are also a priority for Richard and Prue Post.

“Some of the paddocks are very exposed and we’re hoping the new tree lines we’re putting in will give better protection to our soils and pastures, as well as the stock,” Ms Post said.

“The trees and shrubs, along with the double line of fencing, form an excellent barrier to stop stock straying between paddocks, and that also improves biosecurity.”

Next door, Kirsty and Sam White have just planted more than 600 seedlings.

Senior Land Services officer Iestyn Taylor said the benefits of revegetation are greater when neighbouring properties team up.

For more information about the tree planting program, contact Mr Taylor on (02) 6770 2008.