Local landcarer recognised for outstanding efforts across two catchments

The Roslyn area is a watershed between these two catchments and the voluntary efforts of Eric and the Roslyn Landcare Group are highly valued by both catchments.

Having won two prestigious awards it is hoped Eric will go on to be a finalist at the State Landcare Awards later in the year.  

At 85, Eric received these individual Landcare Awards as recognition for over 40 years planting trees in the area and encouraging others to do the same.

Mr Bernie Bugden, General Manager, Hawkesbury Nepean Catchment Management Authority (HNCMA), congratulated Eric for winning the Individual Landcarer award.

“Eric has made an outstanding contribution to the environment.

He was a pioneer in land conservation in the region and has planted over 50,000 trees on his two properties in Laggan and Roslyn.

He really is the ‘glue’ that keeps so many Landcare groups together – the grandfather of the Landcare movement who inspires many volunteers.

“He was the main driver in organising the planting of 10,000 trees in the Cooksvale region after the area was devastated by fires in 1999,” said Mr Budgen.

Eric was co founder of the Roslyn Landcare Group and is currently the group’s project coordinator.

Eric is still very much the driving force behind the group and is actively involved in all aspects of Landcare from schools tree plantings and environmental awareness days, to sharing his knowledge of planting techniques and suitable species.

He was a founding member of the Upper Lachlan Catchment coordinating Committee and played a significant role in the launch of a Regional Action Plan, through his leadership, integrity and local standing in the community.

Eric has a strong drive when it comes to planting trees for the future generations to enjoy and benefit from.

“Some of the challenges of future Landcare work are with the old remnants dying – over the next 20 years it will be important to concentrate our plantings to compensate for this,” said Eric.

Eric’s other achievements include the planting of trees in Roslyn village which led to it receiving a Tidy Town’s Award and the planting of 5000 trees to rehabilitate an over-grazed property in Bolong.

As a councillor at Crookwell, Eric provided an important link between Landcare and natural resource planning and inspired others to join in a project involving 16 properties to link areas of remnant vegetation in a 64km native vegetation corridor.

Eric is currently a member of the Roslyn Landcare Group, which organises environmental awareness days for primary school children.

He is also a frequent speaker at community meetings about Landcare activities, providing valuable technical assistance on planting techniques, ground preparation, suitable species and other Landcare activities.

Mr Bugden said that in 2012, more than 130 Landcare groups, supported by the HNCMA contributed over $3.5 million in in-kind volunteer hours towards improving the environment largely on private land.

There are also almost 900 Bushcare groups working on public land whose in-kind hours equal around $6 million.

“The Regional Landcare Awards are a way of recognising the exceptional efforts of volunteers and we commend the seven winners who all demonstrated dedication and commitment,” said Mr Bugden.

Eric’s Landcare history goes back to the 70’s when he recognised the need for a new approach to past over clearing of productive lands and promoted, with enthusiasm and passion , tree planting and deep rooted perennial pastures reducing groundwater discharge.

Possessing a strong land stewardship ethic and a love of nature, Eric practiced what he preached on his own properties and inspired others to join in projects aimed at linking areas of remnant native vegetation through a vast network of connecting wildlife corridors in the Roslyn area.

Participating landholders are undertaking a mix of tree plantings with some excluding remnant patches from stock to help natural regeneration. These efforts are also encouraging the return of birds and other native fauna.

From a teenager in the Depression years working for 22 shillings a week, to one of the districts leading farmers.

From having a vision for the future of the area, to being known as the Grandfather of local Landcare.

These awards are well deserved (and long overdue!) for one of the districts most inspiring individuals. Congratulations Eric.

Roslyn Landcare group would also like to thank Helen Ward of HNCMA and Nerida Croker, Mary Bonet and John O’Brien from Upper Lachlan Landcare for their support of both Eric and the Roslyn Landcare Group over the years.