The program is being offered to landholders by South East Local Land Services (LLS) who are looking to partner with land managers for the next two years.

Land managers will need to increase the ground cover, herbage mass and pasture species diversity and percentage of perennial plants in pastures. This will be achieved through stock management and resting pastures.

A contribution towards fencing materials and water infrastructure will be made by the LLS to subdivide paddocks.

The program website says, "increasing biomass, above and below ground leads to improvements in soil health, soil carbon and water infiltration.

"Many soil types in our area are highly erodible and prone to salinity. Increasing groundcover and deep rooted plants reduces these risks, protects our soils and waterways and prevents the need to remediate at a later date.

"Giving pastures time to rest allows grasses to set seed and regenerate, increasing pasture species diversity. Increasing diversity increases resilience to changing weather and climate, can decrease weed invasion and provides a varied diet for livestock and wildlife including native birds."

For more information and how to apply visit: Local Land stewards program or contact Melissa Henry, senior NRM advisor on 6385 1018 or by email melissa.henry@lls.nsw.gov.au.

Applications close August 26.