The Native Tree & Photo Shoot project was established in 2014 to provide landowners with native trees and shrubs to plant on their properties. 

In a continuation of National Tree Day celebrations, Scone Landcare is partnering with Upper Hunter Shire Council to provide tube stock free of charge and encourage landholders to start planting.

Ruth Hardy at Scone Landcare said eligible properties can be from six acres up to large farms or landholdings.

“The project’s geographical boundaries include rural settings within the Burning Mountain to Aberdeen and Waverly/Gundy to Bunnan/Kars Springs areas and all points in between,” she said.

The tree planting initiative is part of National Landcare Week celebrations from September 4 to 11 and is targeted at enhancing the landscape and encouraging native bees into landowners gardens and paddocks.

“Some of the species available include Rough-barked Apple, She-oak, River Red Gum, Lemon-scented Tea Tree and Westringia,” Ms Hardy said.

“Planting native trees and shrubs also increases habitat for native birds and other wildlife, landscape and property enhancement,” Ms Hardy said.

As part of the Native Tree & Photo Shoot project landholders are also required to send Scone Landcare photos of their planting to help the group build a pictorial database for recording purposes.

“Whether you are a farmer wanting to plant trees to give shade for stock or to create a wildlife corridor in a paddock, or have a small landholding on the edge of town, planting native trees increases biodiversity for our native wildlife and enhances our natural environment,” Ms Hardy said.

Interested people should contact Ruth Hardy by phoning 0407 232 539 or emailing sconelandcare@gmail.com.