Holding water well: understanding and managing wetlands and farm dams

Learn how managing wetlands and farm dams can enhance biodiversity, improve water management, and support productive farming systems through a two-day workshop.

Event details:

Healthy wetlands and farm dams are vital parts of productive properties, supporting biodiversity, regulating water cycles and improving overall landscape function.

North Coast Local Land Services is offering these practical workshops to help landholders better understand how wetlands and farm dams function within their property and the wider catchment. The workshops combine theory sessions with practical, in‑field learning, giving participants the opportunity to build knowledge and apply it on the ground.

Designed for people managing agricultural land, the event covers wetland ecology, water quality, biodiversity and climate resilience. Participants will learn how to assess wetland and dam condition, identify risks, and strengthen farm productivity, biodiversity and water security. The workshop will be co-delivered with expertise from Australian Wetland Consulting.

Participants will learn about:

• Wetland ecology basics and common wetland types on the NSW North Coast.

• What healthy on‑farm wetlands and dams look like.

• How wetlands help reduce climate risks by buffering heat, supporting drought resilience and moderating floods.

• Water quality fundamentals, including sediment, nutrients, temperature and vegetation.

• Biodiversity benefits, including habitat for pollinators, beneficial insects, birds and amphibians.

• Cultural significance of wetlands and principles for respectful management.

• Practical, in‑field indicators to assess wetland and dam condition.

• How to recognise common hydrological issues such as poor inflows, stagnation and excessive nutrient loads.

By the end of the event, you will be able to:

• Assess the condition of wetlands and dams on your property.

• Identify key risks and improvement opportunities.

• Better understand the ecological processes that support farm productivity, water security and long‑term resilience.

Additional details:

This workshop includes:

• Workshop Day 1: Practical workshop combining theory 28 May | 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

• Workshop Day 2: On‑farm practical field day [Date to be confirmed]

• Participants are encouraged to attend both sessions.

• Morning tea and lunch will be provided on each workshop day.

Contact: Genevieve Murphy, Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator on 0428 394 948 or via email at: Genevieve.murphy@lls.nsw.gov.au

This workshop series is supported by the Australian Government through funding from the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program under the Natural Heritage Trust. 

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