The workshop offers landholders free training and a two-week motion detection camera loan. It covers feral animal control training including the use of traps. Loan cage traps are available to control foxes and feral cats.

Bush Connect project officer David Rush said the project involved several partners working together to protect remnant vegetation in the Illawarra Escarpment by weed and feral animal control, seed collection and tree planting.

“This targeted area is the thinnest part of the escarpment between Sydney and the South Coast. Many native animals require vegetated corridors to move through for habitat, food and for breeding purposes and the corridors help animals cope with the impacts of climate change.”

Wildlife corridors are important for threatened species like the spotted-tailed quoll, that need large areas of connected habitats.

The workshops aim to improve the social connection between landowners and allow them to work together to reduce weeds and feral animals on a landscape scale. Interested landowners in the Mount Murray, St Anthonys, Bells Hill, Pheasant Ground, Knights Hill, Tongarra, Yellow Rock and Upper Kangaroo River areas are encouraged to register for the workshop.

Mr Rush said the more people involved, the better the results. “If landowners can’t make this date, I encourage them to contact me so we can offer an alternative workshop date,” he said.

“The workshops are also opportunities to let landowners know grant funding is available for weed and feral animal control and to link patches of native vegetation via fencing and tree planting corridors.”

The workshop will be held at Robertson Community Centre on May 12 from 8am to 2pm. Morning tea and lunch are provided. Details: davidr@npansw.org.au or 0418 977 402.