General News
20 August, 2025
Tour explores shelterbelt benefit
LANDHOLDERS came together to learn more about shelterbelts thanks to an educational talk hosted by the Heytesbury District Landcare Network (HDLN).
This month landholders were invited to the property of HDLN vice president Chris Hibburt and Katie Millard to view their shelterbelts and discuss the benefits.
“The event gave landholders an opportunity to see established shelter belts – 10 years plus – across a whole farm and to hear about the pros and cons of planting and maintenance,” Mr Hibburt said.
“The 25 attendees on their walk across the farm saw how the landscape changes amongst shelterbelts and how adequate width stops wind as well as offering shade.”
Mr Hibburt said HDLN president Dave Smurthwaite was in attendance to share his expertise.
“Dave shared his experience of direct seeding to talk of the value of using indigenous plants and having an understory to support a centrally placed higher canopy,” he said.
“He mentioned the challenges of direct seeding into heavy soils and the need to use tubes instead.
“The farm demonstrated both direct seed and tube plantations and the value shelterbelts have in biosecurity by protecting boundary fences.
“Shelterbelts also give an opportunity for landholders to establish farms that balance biodiversity with productivity while providing an environment that supports a more diverse insect, bird and ground fauna population.
“A significant benefit to owners is to provide an aesthetically rewarding environment in which to live, work and protect their stock.”
HDLN Landcare coordinator Michelle Leech said it was great for everyone to get the chance to learn about shelterbelts on Mr Hibburt’s property.
“Chris led the group on an exciting walk along and through a variety of shelterbelts on his property, sharing his experiences with direct seed and seedlings along the way,” she said.
“His property is a fantastic example of how shelterbelts can be integrated successfully into productive agricultural spaces to the benefit of stock, humans and the environment.”
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